A weekly update from Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley with community health information, important resources, and notices of any changes in protocols.
Dear students, teachers and staff,
Key information in this week’s Community Health Update:
- Case of monkey pox in Alamance county
- HealthEU website launched
- Make time for community traditions
- TimelyCare virtual medical and mental health resources for students
- Community health status update
Case of monkey pox in Alamance county
On Friday, August 19, the Alamance County Health Department announced the diagnosis of the first case of monkeypox in Alamance County. Members of the Elon University community are encouraged to visit the Elon monkeypox website for up-to-date information about the virus, including symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention steps.
HealthEU website launched
Last week the university launched the HealthEU initiative with an easy-to-remember web URL: www.elon.edu/HealthEU. The site includes information and resources organized by the six dimensions of well-being: community, emotional, financial, physical, purpose, and social. The site also features a calendar of health-related events/activities and comprehensive listings of resources and services organized specifically for students, faculty and staff.
Make time for community traditions
The undergraduate class schedule on the main campus includes two breaks each week, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:40-10:30.
- Every Tuesday is a time for College Coffee – an opportunity to gather with students, faculty and staff in the Phi Beta Kappa Commons, enjoy coffee and refreshments, connect with friends and colleagues, and visit information boards from campus organizations and programs.
- The class break on Thursday is for Numen Lumen – a time for reflection and inspiration, featuring musical performances and a reflection from members of the university community. This year’s theme is “Me: In My Words,” encouraging stories of our shared humanity.
Meetings and events are strongly discouraged during the Tuesday/Thursday class break, and all Elon students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take a break for these moments of community and reflection.
TimelyCare virtual medical and mental health resources
All students have access to TimelyCare, which was well received by Elon students during last year’s pilot and has been expanded for the current academic year. Available services include:
- Medical: 24/7, on-demand or scheduled access to a medical provider who can treat a wide range of common ailments like cold and flu, sinus infection, allergies and more
- TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything, anytime
- Scheduled Counseling: scheduled options to speak with a licensed counselor – evening and weekend appointments available
- Health coaching: access to a nutritionist to help with healthier lifestyle behaviors related to sleep issues, weight management and more
- Group sessions: weekly meditation and yoga group sessions, plus specialist discussions throughout the year.
- Psychiatry: access to no-cost psychiatric services (available by referral only; contact Counseling Services at 336-278-7280 for more information)
TimelyCare is available to students when classes are in session and during vacations, from anywhere in the United States and at no additional cost or fee. Visit the TimelyCare website to sign in or download the TimelyCare app.
Community health status update
Every Tuesday afternoon by 4:00 p.m., the university’s COVID-19 website is updated with information about the status of COVID-19 case reporting and testing on campus. The site also includes a link to the latest information about the CDC’s community COVID-19 levels, which are currently medium in Alamance County and high in Guilford County.
The next community health update is scheduled for next Wednesday, August 31, by 10:45 a.m.
–
Jon Dooley, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life