Eastern Wyoming College has announced the following campus updates for Friday, March 27, 2020.

At the direction of the Governor and state health officials, EWC will remain closed through April 17^th.

EWC has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions which can be found at the following link: https://ewc.wy.edu/frequently-asked-questions/.  Check back occasionally as additional items may be added.

News from Financial Aid:

After a series of long negotiations, the U.S. Senate passed the third COVID-19 relief package early Thursday morning by a vote of 96-0. The bill, dubbed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, represents a compromise between Senate Republicans and Democrats, both of whom have introduced COVID-19 legislation in recent weeks that address student aid. The $2 trillion bill includes roughly $30 billion in an Education Stabilization Fund, of which about $14 billion will be allocated to higher education, and includes multiple provisions related to student aid. While this stimulus bill represents some needed relief for students and their families, the Department of Education must still provide guidance on how to implement and regulate the provisions within the bill. The Financial Aid Office will provide information as we become aware of changes that might impact our students, so please continue to watch EWC’s daily updates.

News from Dr. Travers:

According to research, social relationships are an important component of human life.  A network of positive relationships provides a source of support, meaning and guidance which can influence mental health.  Social isolation is a situation that can influence health and well-being.   Adults who are socially isolated may experience feelings of loneliness and depression.  Please make sure you connect with friends and neighbors through phone calls, instagrams, texts, etc.  Other ways to deal with loneliness:

• Listen to some music
• Read a good book
• Watch a movie and discuss with your long-distance friends
• Take a 15-minute power nap
• Start cleaning
• Organize something you have been wanting to organize
• Check on an elderly neighbor; just a call can make a difference
• Do something for your roomie
• Clean out the flower beds
• Start a work out routine (just 5 minutes makes a difference)
• Create something:  sketch, paint, knit, just get those creative juices flowing
• Take the dog for a walk or two or three
• Study for 30 more minutes than usual

  If you are struggling with loneliness, anxiety or depression and need professional help, call a local therapist or if you have suicidal thoughts call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

General Announcements:

Eastern Wyoming College students who are struggling with non-academic issues and would like information about community support agencies, please contact Dr. Debbie Ochsner, Dean of Faculty/Student Services at debbie.ochsner@ewc.wy.edu, 307-532-8221, or 307-575-1121 for further referral information. 

The EWC Directory can be found at the following link to reach any EWC employee. Employees are working from home but are available by phone and email: https://ewc.wy.edu/directory/

All messages and alerts can be found at the following link: https://ewc.wy.edu/alerts/