Some policy updates

Move-in continues. My source at the LJVM Coliseum tells me that it was a busy morning but things were running smoothly. I have also heard from some of my colleagues that they are thrilled to see students back and campus looking alive again.

Want to draw your attention to an important change in our cloth face covering policy. Neck gaiters, bandanas, and masks with a valve are now not allowed, as there is emerging research about the efficacy of those. Here is a graphic to explain that, and we also have updated our Policies page on Our Way Forward.

I also want to address a question I have seen from some families about being able to see the full policies on that page. Our COVID policies are intended for internal use, and while we are not trying to keep important information from parents, our policies may change to address changing public health conditions. To avoid confusion, we prefer not to have Wake Forest documents copied and pasted on external websites or social media that we cannot update. Any student is free to read the policies and can explain them to their parents/families.

Today’s example of the change to face coverings is a great example of why we don’t want policies downloaded and shared in a text or group chat or message board, lest they later change (and the old version is out there, causing confusion). Instead we ask students to seek their information from a primary source (our website, social media accounts, emails, etc.) 

Also want to remind that we are giving all undergraduate students two reusable cloth masks and a thermometer at move-in. Two masks means they will have one to wear today, can use mask #2 the next day (and wash #1 at the end of the day and give it time to dry). Masks are required, not optional, per our policy: “All members of the Wake Forest University community (faculty, staff, and students) must carry a cloth face covering while on campus, and wear it in the presence of others.” Off campus undergraduate students can get their masks and thermometer at the Joel August 18-19 or 21-24 between 9 am and 5 pm (no appointment required).

In other policy news, some of you had asked questions about alcohol and student events. This is covered in the Health and Safety Policy for Student Activities. The policy states, in part:

• No student organization events with alcohol will be approved, whether on- or off-campus. This applies to any student organization (Greek and non-Greek).
• Events and gatherings held in residences and locations off-campus are currently limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Additionally, spaces being used for events and gatherings must allow occupants to maintain at least six feet of distance. 
• Events and gatherings held in restaurants or event venues must comply with public health requirements established by the restaurant or venue. In addition, students attending an event or gathering must comply with the limitations on the number of people permitted to gather, as well as the University’s requirements for physical distancing and use of cloth face coverings.

There is a Q&A with Adam Goldstein, Dean of Students, about this policy that I encourage families to read thoroughly. It is available here.

Some of you have emailed me to ask if I know about the situation at UNC, or Notre Dame, etc. I have no special inside track, just what I read in the news.

Know there is a lot going on as students arrive for move-in, and there is a ton going on behind the scenes here. As we have news or any changes to announce, we will post on Our Way Forward and I will share here too.

Wishing continued safe travels and move-ins as our Deacs arrive!

— by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)