August 27, 2021: COVID-19 Testing Update

Date: August 27, 2021

From: Rick Culliton

Subject: COVID-19 Testing Update

To the Wesleyan Community:

I write to share updated information about the University’s COVID-19 testing plan and adjustments to campus services. 

With more than 95 percent of faculty, students and staff vaccinated, we have taken the most important steps toward preventing significant illness. However, given the heightened transmissibility of the Delta variant, we know that even a vaccinated campus like ours will not be impervious to infection. The following plans are meant to keep us aware of cases that do arise and to prevent significant outbreaks.

 TESTING

All students will be tested on the day they arrive on campus, and twice weekly until further notice. Students are encouraged to adhere to a regular testing cadence (e.g., Monday/Thursday, Tuesday/Friday). 

Faculty and staff with an approved exemption from vaccination are required to test weekly. Testing is optional for vaccinated faculty and staff and will be available on August 31 for one day only. Optional testing will return for vaccinated faculty and staff beginning on September 7 and will continue until further notice. 

Testing will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Beckham Hall in Fayerweather. Although appointments are not required, we anticipate delays during peak testing hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please try to test outside of those hours. Faculty and staff can use the CT Testing Locator to locate the nearest off-campus testing site. Learn more about testing. 

 CAMPUS SERVICES

Mail/Dining/Events/Catering

The University has resumed mail and dining services with campus buildings unlocked and opened during business hours or accessed via the WesCard. Dining locations will have reduced capacity/seating options to provide for social distancing for those eating indoors. Meals will be served in “to-go” containers and outdoor dining is encouraged.

If you are planning an event that requires catering, please consider holding the event outdoors. If you must hold your catered event indoors, you should provide for 6-feet of physical distance between guests when they are eating. 

Learn more about mail delivery and dining services. 

 VISITORS

Wesleyan requires all visitors (contractor, vendors and attendees to athletic events) to be vaccinated. All visitors should be prepared to provide proof of vaccination. Masks are optional outdoors.

 FACE COVERINGS

Masks are required indoors on campus except when alone in one’s own private residential bedroom or alone in one’s own private office. This includes shared public spaces, such as classrooms/meeting rooms, the library, dining, residential common areas and some office configurations. Unvaccinated faculty, students and staff with an approved exemption are required to wear a mask at all times (indoors and outdoors), except when alone in one’s own private residential bedroom or when alone in one’s own private office. When in doubt, please wear a mask.

You will find additional information on the Keep Wes Safe website, including a complete list of FAQs.

We will continue to monitor the latest directives from federal and state agencies as well as local public health conditions. If any change to our plans is warranted, we will communicate this immediately. 

Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping our community safe. 

Sincerely,

Rick Culliton

Chair, Pandemic Planning Committee

Dean of Students