April 23, 2020: Public Health Update

From: Tom McLarney, MD
Subject: Public Health Update

To the Wesleyan Community,

Greetings from the Davison Health Center. As of Monday evening, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has mandated by executive order that face coverings be worn in public anywhere a 6-foot distance is unavoidable, including in stores, pharmacies, and at grab-and-go restaurants, as well as when using public transportation and in the workplace. Employees working on Wesleyan’s campus are required to wear face coverings while at work and when the 6-foot distancing requirement is unattainable. Employees may have some flexibility when working in offices alone with the door closed, but must have a face covering available. Please see the State of Connecticut’s “Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employees.”

Wesleyan is offering free face coverings to students, faculty, and staff on campus. Students may pick up masks at a pop-up station on the main floor of Usdan. Staff and faculty masks are available for pick-up at Wes station in the basement of Usdan…

April 16, 2020: Financial Impact of COVID-19

From: “Michael S. Roth”
Subject: Financial Impact of COVID-19

I write to you today with deep pride and gratitude for all you have accomplished these past tumultuous weeks. Students have shown patience and resilience in the face of unprecedented disruption. Faculty and our ITS department have worked tirelessly to create a robust digital experience at a moment’s notice. Staff have ably transitioned to remote working environments while juggling multiple priorities, doing so with great admiration for colleagues in Residence Life, Health Services, CAPS, dining services, facilities and public safety still working on campus …

April 16, 2020: HR Update

From: Lisa Brommer
Subject: HR Update

I hope this finds you well. I write today to share several important updates for faculty and staff as we all navigate the coronavirus pandemic together.

I’m pleased to share that Wesleyan has adopted new provisions in all of its health plans through Cigna to cover testing and treatment for COVID-19. We are also participating in provisions of the CARES Act that will allow eligible employees to access funds through loans or hardship withdrawals from their Supplemental Retirement Accounts. In addition, employees who utilize Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts may change their annual elections due to …

April 15, 2020: Public Health Update

From: Tom McLarney, MD
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 5:10 PM
Subject: Public Health Update

To the Wesleyan Community,

I trust this note finds everyone in good health. I write today with another public health update on the coronavirus pandemic.

Since my last update, the CDC has announced that there will be antibody testing available within the next few weeks, which will measure two antibodies: Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG).

Let me offer a quick Immunology 101 lesson: …

April 14, 2020: Summer Programs Announcement

From: Rob Rosenthal and Andy Tanaka
Subject: Summer Programs Announcement

Dear colleagues,

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided not to hold any programming on campus this summer. This decision was made first and foremost to protect the safety of the Wesleyan community, as well as the safety of others, including minors, who would typically live in our residential setting over the summer. Making this decision now provides sufficient time to convert programs to online offerings, when possible. It also allows staff to focus on preparing for New Student Orientation and the fall term, which…

April 8, 2020: Public Health Update

From: Tom McLarney, MD
Subject: Public Health Update

To the Wesleyan community,

Wishing you all health and safety during this tumultuous time.

Since our last update, the CDC has made new recommendations regarding face masks. These are the key points to know:

1. ) Masks should be worn when going out in the public such as grocery shopping or trips to the pharmacy. This also applies to students on campus picking up their take-out meals.
2.) The current recommendations…

April 2, 2020: Message on Commencement

From: Michael S. Roth
Subject: Message on Commencement

Dear friends,

Although I’d been delaying this decision in hopes that we might still have an opportunity to gather together in late May, I’m writing now to let you know that we will have to find another time and place to celebrate the 2020 graduation. There is so much uncertainty about what the next few months will hold, and we don’t think it is responsible to plan to bring a large group together on Andrus Field in May.

I know this will be greatly disappointing for many, particularly for…

March 31, 2020: Public Health Update

From: Tom McLarney, MD
To: Lauren Rubenstein
Subject: Public Health Update

To the Wesleyan Community,

The Davison Health Center sends our wishes for good health and safety to everyone.

We continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic closely at the local, national and international levels.

Over the next few weeks, experts in the field predict increased cases of COVID-19 in the United States. Coupled with the lack of a vaccine, medication trials still in early phases, and troubling shortages in testing, personal protective equipment, and ventilators around the country, it is understandable to see high levels of fear and anxiety as we worry about our own well-being and the health of our loved ones.

With all these challenges, I would again like to stress the measures that we can all…

March 26, 2020: Health Advisory from the Davison Health Center

From: Tom McLarney, MD
Subject: Health Advisory from the Davison Health Center

To the Wesleyan Community:

In light of the significant increase in COVID-19 cases in New York (especially in New York City and Westchester County) we urge students, staff and faculty to avoid travel to and from New York at all costs.

Travel to an epicenter such as we are seeing in New York not only increases your own risk of…

March 19, 2020: Staff Update

From: Lisa Brommer
Subject: Staff Update

As we continue to support our students and faculty through the transition to a distance-learning model, Wesleyan remains fully committed to the health and safety of each and every one of our colleagues. Whether you are supporting faculty, helping students move off campus, ensuring that technology resources are available, or thinking creatively about how you can continue your daily work in new ways, we are deeply grateful for you and your commitment.

Currently, the majority of us are working remotely. Cabinet members are collaborating…