Dear Franklin College Community Members:

Franklin College is taking appropriate steps to protect the health of the campus community without disrupting the experience of our students, faculty, and staff.

As you are probably aware, Johnson County has confirmed three cases of COVID-19. There is no known connection between those individuals and Franklin College. Franklin College currently has no cases of COVID-19. Your health and safety is our highest priority and we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for you to learn and work.

Two weeks ago, we established a Task Force to monitor the virus and to mitigate risk. During our planning and preparation for the implications of the coronavirus, we have been developing our protocol based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Indiana State Department of Health, and direct communication with the Johnson County Health Department. We continue to consult local health department experts in monitoring the situation locally. Based on that guidance, we do not currently plan to discontinue in-person coursework.

One of the actions Franklin College is taking is to require students, faculty, and staff to report any international travel taking place during Spring Break. We will work individually with members of our community to develop appropriate return-to-campus protocol based on the location and type of travel. Franklin College currently has no institutionally coordinated international travel.

We are also asking students, faculty, and staff to report domestic travel and to self-report if they have symptoms that are consistent with COVID 19: fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Please report your travel plans and relevant symptoms here.

If you suspect you are symptomatic, we recommend the following:

• Do not attend class or work; provisions will be made for increased flexibility in attendance policies
• Call your primary care physician; students may also call the campus health clinic at 317.738.8090
• Follow recommendations given by your health care provider (which may include visiting the clinic, urgent care, testing, etc.)
• You may also consider utilizing the IU Health virtual clinic, found here, which provides free screening
• Notify the office of campus life if you are diagnosed with flu or COVID-19

On the advice of the Johnson County Health Department, we are reviewing all events held on campus that anticipate large numbers of guests from outside the college community. The decision to hold or cancel such events are being made on a case-by-case basis. The Task Force is assessing each event according to its risk and making an appropriate decision.

Our coronavirus website is the best place for you to find information related to Franklin College’s response. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the office of campus life at 317.738.8080 if you have other questions or concerns.

Thank you for your cooperation in contributing to the health and well-being of our campus community.

Kerry Prather

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Kerry N. Prather | President

Franklin College
101 Branigin Boulevard, Franklin, Indiana 46131-2623
FranklinCollege.edu |  317.738.8010