Welcome back to ‘In the Loop’! It’s your (small) newsletter team — Kate, Monique and Bridget — here to start your year off right.
Today, we’re giving you all the university updates to ensure that students are ‘in the loop’ when navigating classes and campus.
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We will resume our regular content next week. Until then, here’s what you need to know this Winter Quarter.
Winter Quarter: Everything students need to know
By Kate Linderman
Welcome back, students! In the interest of transparency and accessibility, I wanted to sift through every university website, email communication, calendar and social media post to ensure that students do not need to do the same.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know this quarter:
Yes, COVID-19 (RSV and more) is still a risk
While no COVID-19 rules are in place at DePaul, Chicago’s COVID-19 risk level is medium. The university has been encouraging indoor mask-wearing in general, though there is no official mask mandate on campus. President Robert L. Manuel, in a university-wide email, asked that “If you are joining a meeting or gathering and a participant asks you to wear a mask, please do so.”
Masks will be available on campus at some first-floor desks near entrances.
Currently, no additional vaccine requirements (beyond the first COVID-19 booster) have been released by the university, though the president recommended that students stay up to date on their vaccines. In search of a COVID-19 or flu vaccine? Check out this website to find one closest to you.
Unlike last winter where COVID-19 testing was widely available on campus, the university has severely limited its testing options. If students, faculty and staff are in need of a rapid COVID-19 test, they can visit the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness (Student Center, Suite 302) in Lincoln Park or the Student Affairs Office (Lewis Center, Suite 1400) in the Loop Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to pick up a test.
If you want to stock up on at-home tests, order your free at-home COVID-19 tests from the government. Each household is eligible for four free tests. Order here.
Travel
Amid severe weather and flight cancellations, some students might cut it close to the first day of classes. Faculty have been asked to work with students who are experiencing travel issues, including offering a Zoom option on the first day, according to a university-wide email from Manuel. Students should watch for class-wide communications from their professors.
Academic calendar
Classes began today, January 2, though students have until January 8 to add classes to their schedules. The last day to drop classes is January 15. The university will be closed on January 16 (and classes will be canceled) in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The quarter ends on March 19.
Mental health resources
Students can take advantage of free, university-provided mental health resources from University Counseling and Psychological Services. Students can seek services such as individual or group counseling, outreach programs or off-campus referrals. The full list of services can be found on their website and appointments can be scheduled here.
Students can also use the office’s 24/7 care line (773-325-2273). This resource remains available even during university closures.
Additional university resources
Check out DePaul’s Basic Needs Hub for food items, toiletries and business attire in the Lincoln Park Student Center (Room 107) or in the Loop DePaul Center (Room 9700). More information about access, hours and resources can be found here.
Get involved (and come meet 14 East!)
Involvement fairs will be hosted in both Lincoln Park and the Loop this winter. The Lincoln Park fair will be at the Student Center on January 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Loop fair will be on January 10 at the DePaul Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be found on DeHub.
Free donuts on campus
Donuts with Demons will be hosted at the Lincoln Park Student Center and across the Loop campus buildings tomorrow, January 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Resources
Need resources regarding cooling centers, rental assistance, abortion access, COVID-19 testing and vaccines or mental health? Check out our complete list here.
That’s it for today! See you next Monday.
14 East Newsletter Team