Dear Campus Community,

Many of you will be heading home next week to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.  Indiana, like most other states, is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.  It is more important than ever for you to follow all the CDC mitigation recommendations to help prevent the spread of the virus on campus and at home.

In preparation for you returning home, the college is offering free COVID-19 tests to all students and employees.  The tests, provided by the Indiana Department of Health, are rapid, self-administered tests called BinaxNOW.  Results are determined quickly, 15 minutes after the nasal swab is taken.  This particular test requires a nasal swab of no more than one-half inch into each nostril and is, therefore, less invasive than the tests we have been using for surveillance purposes.  You will receive your results on site and will get additional follow-up information via email from Student Development.

We are offering the tests to help guide your behavior as you return home.  If you test positive, you should isolate at home and take all the CDC-recommended precautions to prevent spreading the virus.  If you test negative, it is still important to remember that COVID-19 tests reflect only a snapshot in time and are not perfect.  People who are exposed may not develop symptoms for several days.  Even if you test negative today, you could test positive tomorrow, so continuing mitigation protocols is essential.

I have attached a document from the Indiana Department of Health that helps explain why participating in this testing opportunity is important for you, your family and the college.

The tests are being offered Friday, Saturday and Monday in the Athletic Training Clinic of Spurlock Center.  You may register for a test time by using this link.  These tests are voluntary, but we encourage all students, faculty and staff to take advantage of this opportunity.

Please direct any questions you have about the tests to Dean Andrew Jones at ajones1@FranklinCollege.edu or (317) 738-8080.

As we look ahead to the Thanksgiving break, I am thankful for a campus community that respects the priority of good health and has been so responsible throughout the fall semester.  Thank you for your continued efforts to #FortifyFranklin.

Sincerely,

Kerry N. Prather
President
Franklin College