Dear Students and Colleagues –

Many of us may be aware that the university down the street (who shall remain nameless, but the initials are “U.W.”) is hosting a home football game Friday night. While Camp Randall stadium will be virtually empty, the temptation may be great (for everyone, not just students) to turn this occasion into a social event. I ask each of us to resist what may be your natural inclination to gather in groups to watch, or party, Friday night. Please enjoy the game (if that’s your thing) within your circle or “bubble.” If this is a sacrifice, it’s a relatively small one. The data suggests that if people contract Covid-19 on Friday night, it would very likely prevent them from voting on November 3.

Speaking of election day, Edgewood College will serve as an early voting location beginning next week, Monday, Oct. 26 through Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. You’ll see the polls set up outside Predolin, or upstairs in the Predolin Commons area if we have inclement weather. On Tuesday, November 3, the Oscar Rennebohm Library will serve as a polling place for this general election. We anticipate there will be extra folks on campus for these critically important days. There is a lot is at stake this election, which is now less than 2 weeks away. The rhetoric of the campaign is getting more and more intense and it seems that our national stress level is increasing, as if it weren’t high enough already. You can reduce your own stress and uncertainty by informing yourself about where candidates stand on the issues that are important to you, and to make a plan for voting either early, or on Tuesday, November 3, in the Library. The presidential election is the most prominent item on the ballot, but there are other offices and issues being decided, as well. Remember, Wisconsin requires a valid picture identification in order to cast a vote. And, Wisconsin allows same-day voter registration.

We’ve had two flu shot clinics for students so far this semester, and more are in the works. Students, you’ll hear about those via email. I want to remind everyone – students, faculty, and staff - that we are getting into cold and flu season. If you experience any symptoms related to cold and flu, you should not come to campus, and you should be in touch with your health care professional. Please do not try to ‘tough it out’ like you may have in the past. What you think are allergies or a cold could be more serious, so don’t risk the health of others by coming to work or class with symptoms. We continue to experience a manageable level of COVID-19 cases in our community, and we want to do everything we can to limit and eliminate the spread of the virus. Let’s keep going two steps forward, and eliminate the “one step back.”

Wear your mask, wash your hands, maintain physical distancing at all times, and tighten your social circles – especially for Friday night and beyond. This goes for on-campus and off-campus. Even as Wisconsin remains in a glaring spotlight in the fight to slow the spread, we continue to support each other in this community. I am grateful for each and every one of you this semester. Let’s keep it up, and let’s do it for each other.

Be well.

Cor ad cor loquitur.

-Andrew P. Manion, Ph.D.
President