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The Panther Plan

Last Updated: March 13, 2023

Campus Safety Measures

Campus mitigation efforts

In the spring of 2020, Drury established the Student Health and Public Safety Committee to develop and implement the Panther Plan. Made up of students, faculty, staff and administration, this group continues to meet to drive virus mitigation efforts on campus.

We are in regular communication with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and healthcare leaders in our area to remain informed on the latest COVID-19 news and mitigation recommendations. We also closely monitor all CDC guidance. With input from these experts, we will continue to adjust our response as needed to keep our campus community safe.

Masking Policy

Drury does not require masking.  The university supports continued masking for anyone choosing this option.

Help minimize the spread of COVID-19

Guidelines for students, faculty and staff exposed to COVID-19

Guidance for those who have received been exposed to COVID-19:   

  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days. 
  • If possible, get a COVID-19 test on the fifth day after exposure.  Rapid tests are available by contacting the athletic training office in the O’Reilly Family Event Center. 
  • If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home 

Positive Test Result for COVID-19 

If an individual exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, they can make an appointment at a local pharmacy or healthcare provider.  Individuals can also obtain a rapid test by contacting the athletic training office in the O’Reilly Family Event Center or Safety & Security in FSC.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 should email their faculty members and include a copy of their positive test result that includes their name and date of test.  

Any individual who tests positive must self-isolate for 5 days after the date they were tested. They must be asymptomatic or have a significant reduction in symptoms and fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication before returning to on-campus activities. Masking should be observed through day 10.

Drury GO students should contact their local healthcare provider for guidance.

Residential students who test positive for COVID-19 should plan to isolate off-campus (if their home is within 200 miles of campus), or in a specified isolation area of university housing for the duration of the isolation period.  Students who are isolating on campus may request meals delivered to them by staff of Drury University or its contractors. Meals delivered this way will be charged to the student’s meal plan.  In addition accommodations for class attendance and course work will be made for students to allow for continued coursework while in isolation.

Community Health and Safety Pledge

We know each person plays an essential role in protecting our community and respecting the rights of all individuals. Just as we did in 2020-21, we will ask all students to sign the Drury University Community Health and Safety Pledge.

We can continue to learn on campus and protect each other by meeting the following conditions:

  • Act intentionally and diligently to limit the spread of COVID-19.
  • Do my part to create a community where all students, staff, and faculty can safely assemble, learn and live together.
  • Protect and support each individual’s rights to good health.
  • Follow the community health practices and protocols recommended by local health professionals.
  • Adhere to the health and safety policies and procedures developed by Drury University.
  • Hold others accountable and be held accountable for following all health and safety guidelines, recommendations and policies.

FAQ

I am struggling to handle all of the stress and changes. Does Drury offer mental health resources they can access?

Yes. Through our partnership with Burrell Behavioral Health, day school students can access behavioral health consultation services at no cost. Learn more at drury.edu/counseling. Counseling is available for faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Plan.

 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  • Fever of 100.4+ or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Are COVID-19 tests available on campus?

COVID-19 rapid tests are available in the athletic training office in the O’Reilly Family Event Center and Drury Safety & Security Office in the FSC.   

Government Relief Acts

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ACT (CARES)

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. It establishes and funds the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), providing emergency funds to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. Drury University will receive a total of $120,724 under 18004(a)(2), the Strengthening Institutions Program section of the CARES Act.

Drury will provide funds to students who demonstrate financial need and wish to continue their education in the 2020-2021 academic year. To demonstrate financial need, students must be Pell eligible and owe a balance to the university from the Spring 2019 semester. Funds will be credited to their account on or before July 15, 2020.

Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)

Student Health and Public Safety Committee

The committee has been meeting weekly since April 2020 in order to make COVID-19 response plans. The members are comprised of students, faculty and staff.

  • Emily Armour, Student and SGA member
  • Jennifer Baltes, Director of HR 
  • Chelsea Baltimore, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
  • Mary Blair, Visiting Assistant Professor of Accounting
  • Stephen Bomgardner, Professor of Music
  • Tyler Buff, Student and SGA member
  • Laurie Edmondson, Professor of Education
  • Jim Fenton, Director of Dining Services – Fresh Ideas
  • Beth Harville, Executive Vice President and Provost
  • Tijuana Julian, Executive Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
  • Erin Kineman, Head Athletic Trainer
  • Kevin Kropf, Executive VP for Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communication
  • Rhonda Schilly, Monett Site Director

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