Be Well Campaign

Be Well Pledge

I pledge to:

  1. Be well for myself
    • Monitor for the symptoms of COVID-19 and report to a medical professional if I experience fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, dry cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or loss of taste or smell
    • Wash my hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
    • Get vaccinated for the flu in the fall
  2. Be well for others
    • Maintain appropriate physical distancing, especially in classroom settings or the presence of older members of the community
    • Stay home if I feel ill or after exposure to someone who is ill or has tested positive for COVID-19
    • Wear an appropriate face mask and other protective gear as directed by the College
    • Be positive, attentive and helpful to anyone around who may be in need of support
  3. Be well for our community
    • Keep my clothing, belongings, personal spaces and shared common spaces clean
    • Participate in testing and contact tracing to preserve the wellness of the community
    • Carefully observe instructional signs and follow directions

Be Well Compliance Plan

Through the Be Well campaign, we expect the community to “be well for yourself, be well for others, and be well for our community.” As we all adjust to the various health and safety protocols, mistakes and oversights with compliance will likely occur. We understand that these changes are significant in a person’s day-to-day activity, and it may take time for new norms to be fully implemented. Generally, compliance issues will be addressed with care, understanding, and information sharing. The overarching goal with compliance will be to de-escalate - rather than intensify - situations related to the pandemic.

Possible Responses

In all situations, seek to de-escalate rather than intensify the interaction.

  • Ask: Ask if the individual is aware that face coverings are necessary.
  • Offer: If available, offer to give the individual a mask.
  • Leave: If non-compliance continues, either ask the person to leave or remove yourself from the area.
  • Report: For ongoing violations and/or egregious violations, please report: Students = DOS, Faculty = DOC, Staff = Supervisor, Visitor = non-emergency line: 404-471-6355.
  • Ask: Ask the individual to please honor physical distancing space and allow for 6ft apart.
  • Offer: If in a location that makes it challenging to effectively social distance, offer to relocate to a space that is more conducive.
  • Leave: If non-compliance continues, either ask the person to leave or remove yourself from the area.
  • Report: For ongoing violations and/or egregious violations, please report: Students = DOS, Faculty = DOC, Staff = Supervisor, Visitor = non-emergency line: 404-471-6355
  • Ask: Ask if the individual is aware of the posted directional signage.
  • Offer: Offer to show the individual the posted signage and routes.
  • Leave: If non-compliance continues, either ask the person to leave or remove yourself from the area.
  • Report: For ongoing violations and/or egregious violations, please report: Students = DOS, Faculty = DOC, Staff = Supervisor, Visitor = non-emergency line: 404-471-6355
  • Ask: Ask if the individual is aware.
  • Offer: Offer information on the Be Well Pledge and/or options.
  • Leave: If non-compliance continues, either ask the person to leave or remove yourself from the area.
  • Report: For ongoing violations and/or egregious violations, please report: Students = DOS,Faculty = DOC, Staff = Supervisor, Visitor = non-emergency line: 404-471-6355

Frequently Asked Questions

Reports will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate entity appropriate follow up with the involved individual(s) will occur.

Each situation is different and unique. Consequences will depend upon various considerations such as impact of the behavior, prior conduct history, and willingness to make the necessary changes to behavior. Sanctions are educational in nature and intended to provide the student with an activity to increase their knowledge and perspective. Generally, outcomes of reported non-compliance could include:

  1. A written notice.
    • The notice could include a reminder about the Be Well Pledge and the expectations to comply. Additional information may include where to obtain personal protective equipment and resources related to COVID-19 health and safety information.
  2. An informal meeting.
    • A meeting with the student may be requested to discuss the report. A record of the matter will be made and will be considered if there are any further issues of non-compliance.
  3. A formal meeting.

A combination of disciplinary sanctions and educational measures may occur. Disciplinary actions for students may include warnings, probation, restricted access and/or loss of privileges, loss of on campus housing privileges or separation from the college. Egregious, significantly threatening, and/or repeat violations may be addressed with the student being issued a notice of Summary Suspension pending resolution of the matter through the College’s formal disciplinary process.

While we do not have much control over what happens when our faculty, staff, and students are off campus, we do encourage our members of the community to continue to follow the guidance for the health and safety of our broader community.

Referrals for possible conversation and/or action may be made through the Dean of the College (DOC) (faculty), Direct Supervisor (staff) or the Dean of Students (students) (DOS).

Post expectations in the syllabus and review verbally with students on the first day of classes; where appropriate, consider including adherence to classroom requirements as part of the overall grade in the course.
  • Ask the student to comply. If applicable, offer an extra mask. Remind the student of the policy and importance of protecting one another.
  • Always do so in a calm and understanding manner; many significant changes are occurring across campus and we need to remain empathic to the adjustments.
  • If non-compliance persists after asking and offering, ask the individual to leave the classroom/office as you find the situation to be harmful to their classmates/you.
  • If the individual refuses to leave, you may wish to – as a last resort – leave the classroom/office, ask all students/others to leave, and report the situation.

Prevent/ Protect/ Care

  • Understand how the COVID-19 virus spreads. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to someone with the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the primary way the virus spreads is through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Research studies have demonstrated that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms (asymptomatic). There is currently no vaccine available so understanding how to prevent infection, particularly for those with increased risk of complications, is critical.
  • Wash your hands often. Everyone should practice regular hand hygiene as advised by the CDC. Research continues to support that washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others. Always wash your hands after you touch highly touched surfaces (such as doorknobs, elevator buttons and photo copiers) and avoid touching your face, especially after coming into contact with these highly touched surfaces. Hand hygiene is especially critical after sneezing or coughing, after using the bathroom, before and after eating and throughout the day. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% to 90% alcohol as hand sanitizers are also effective at preventing the spread of germs. Also, wash your hands before and after handling a face mask or facial covering.
  • Practice physical distancing. Research has shown that transmission of COVID-19 can occur when individuals are asymptomatic. Outdoors, the best strategy is to put at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others whenever possible. If 6 feet distancing is not possible, it is essential that all individuals within a group of people be appropriately masked. Avoid gathering in large groups and avoid crowded spaces.
  • Wear a face mask. Face masks must be worn in all classroom settings by students, faculty, staff, and visitors from entering the building to leaving the building and in indoor common spaces such as common building spaces and hallways. In dining halls, masks must be worn except when eating or drinking. Cloth masks or face coverings should be washed daily, and the fabric design or pattern should be appropriate for the classroom and the workplace.
  • Maintain clean, safe spaces. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces you interact with and touch with CDC approved disinfectants. Cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be provided in each workplace, classroom, residence hall, dining facility and other campus facilities.
  • Engage in smaller group and virtual settings. Individuals and groups, including student and community organizations, should limit in-person programs, events and social gatherings to the number of individuals specified by national, state and local guidance. On-campus space reservations will be limited to those individuals and groups that abide by this guidance.
  • Follow immunization recommendations. Individuals are encouraged (and may be required) to remain current on their recommended immunizations.
  • Protect the community. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or knowledge of exposure should contact their medical provider and not report to work sites, classes or come to campus (unless your primary residence is on-campus).
  • Provide medical return clearance. Students that receive a positive COVID-19 test should follow the guidelines from Wellness Center.
  • Self-check for symptoms daily. Before leaving home for work or study each day, all individuals should check for symptoms using the COVID-19 screening checklist. Anyone who is experiencing any symptom(s) indicated on the screening checklist must not go to class or work and should contact their health care provider.
  • Seek medical care. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or knowledge of exposure should contact a health care professional.
  • Participate in medical monitoring and/or contact tracing. Individuals may be required to participate in self-monitoring of symptoms if identified as a potential close contact of a COVID-19 positive individual or if determined to be an asymptomatic COVID-19 positive person. Individuals may also be required to participate in testing and/or physical separation when recommended or required to do so by a medical provider or public health official.
  • Promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Create and sustain community and a sense of belonging where all feel welcomed and respected.
  • Care for your physical and mental well-being. Get outside, exercise and take breaks regularly, and connect appropriately with family or friends. You should reach out for support if you or someone you know needs help coping or navigating concerns around mental health and well-being.
  • Connect across campus. Physical distancing should not mean social isolation. Seek opportunities to connect appropriately with small groups, student organizations and take advantage of the virtual programs and services that can keep you engaged as a Scottie!
Back to top