As the University of Nebraska–Lincoln shifts to remote access learning, some student services are making changes to best serve students while also addressing the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 disease.
Tricia Besett-Alesch, director of Counseling and Psychological Services, said CAPS will continue meeting with students during normal hours.
“We are open as usual until something changes,” Besett-Alesch said. “We are asking students to help us maintain a healthy environment.”
Besett-Alesch said information has been sent to students and posted to the CAPS website asking that appointments be rescheduled if the student feels ill, has symptoms of an illness or has sick children. Also, CAPS is making telephone consultations available upon request. Students who would prefer a telephone consultation can make the request by calling CAPS at 402-472-7450.
Husker Pantry; Big Red Resilience and Well-being; and the University Health Center have announced shifts in services and hours.
Connie Boehm, director of Student Resilience, said staff in Big Red Resilience and Well-Being will be working remotely and that Well-Being Coaching has been temporarily discontinued.
“We will be providing additional resources to our students through our website and through social media,” Boehm said.
Additionally, the Husker Pantry will be closed beginning March 17, but Boehm said arrangements are being made for students who have frequently used the pantry.
“The pantry will be closed for the remainder of the semester, but we are reaching out to our students who are regular users, and have additional options for them,” Boehm said.
David Annis, director of University Dining, said meal coupons for use in university dining halls will be provided as one option to students who regularly use the Husker Pantry, and that Husker Pantry officials will provide those coupons to students in need.
The University Health Center announced March 13 that hours will be adjusted to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with no hours on weekends, for the remainder of the spring semester. At this time, UHC is also shifting focus to students’ immediate health needs.
All students wishing to be seen for acute care are asked to call 402-472-5000 before arriving, and will be screened through the north entrance. If students are concerned they have COVID-19, they should complete the Department of Health and Human Services survey first.
“We are prioritizing acute care needs above all else,” Aimee Grindstaff, marketing strategist for UHC, said. “The level of demand for this service will determine if we are able to provide well-type visits and other similar services. Because this is a rapidly-evolving situation, we will continue to evaluate and make changes to this plan as need be.”
Grindsaff said any additional changes will be announced on the UHC website as the situation evolves.
