Campus Updates

Today, a message went to the campus community (and we shared it with parents and families as well) about expectations for the fall semester. The big takeaway from this is that for the start of the semester, we are asking everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors except while actively eating and drinking and with the following exceptions (I’m copying the ones that pertain most to students/families, but you will want to read the full message here ):

Students who provided proof of vaccination may remove masks when in residence halls. 

Note: Due to the presence of families with unknown vaccination status in the residence halls, we encourage our students to wear masks during hours that the building is open to visitors for move-in.

Masks are required in all classrooms.  

Note: Faculty who provided proof of vaccination may opt to remove their masks when teaching or presenting if they are able to remain at least 10 feet from the audience. 

Students who received a medical or religious exemption will remain masked in all indoor settings except when in their personal residence hall room. 

All visitors to campus [which would include families] will continue to wear masks indoors until further notice. 

Masks are not required for anyone in outdoor settings.

It’s important to note that we anticipate this will be a temporary measure to allow for a smooth transition back to the classroom and campus environment. Campus leadership will reevaluate this decision weekly.

Also important to remember that we are blessed to have a very high vaccination rate on campus. We believe that high rate of vaccination (and low likelihood of transmission among vaccinated people) creates a well-protected campus environment. We also know students and families will be traveling here from all across the US and the world, and there is a resurgence of community transmission in the region. In that sense, mask wearing adds a valuable layer of protection.

The message encourages students who go to off campus public locations to wear masks indoors, and I would encourage the same for parents and families if you are making Target runs or grocery runs at move-in, etc. (I myself am back to masking to go into stores).

In related news, yesterday, students studying abroad this fall with WFU-sponsored programs received an email with specifics on their WFU program. You can see an example message here. If your Deac is studying abroad this fall on a WFU program, you can check with them to see details of their specific program, or check the Study Abroad website for COVID updates.

As the new academic year begins, we have a new, quick-hit e-newsletter called WFU Should Know for students that captures four or five critical things to know each week. Once they come out, I will link them in the Daily Deac.

I was in a meeting this morning with a lot of my favorite administrators and faculty members, and I can tell you the excitement for the start of the semester is palpable. We can’t wait to have your students back with us. We miss their energy and excitement (and I am convinced working with young people keeps the rest of us younger!) So know we are looking forward to having a great year together!

PS for P’25s new families: if you haven’t watched our Orientation videos, please consider giving them a look. We have a part I of II on the college transition; one from our Learning Assistance Center and Disability Services about time management, tutoring, and accommodations; two from the Office of Student Engagement: one on student engagement, and one about fraternities and sororities; one about our campus response to high risk behaviors; and one from University Police about off-campus orientation.

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