COVID-19 Safety Protocols Update – March 8, 2022

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To the Wesleyan Community,
Today, after two years of dealing with COVID-19, the Pandemic Planning Committee is announcing some changes to the policies currently in place on campus. As I reflect on what we’ve experienced as a community, I want to express profound gratitude for everything you have done to help keep Wesleyan safe during such a tumultuous time.   

As the pandemic evolves, so does our response to it. We are moving from a state of emergency to a state of watchful concern, much like our concern with seasonal health risks. Changes to our policies for those who are fully vaccinated and boosted will go into effect during the week of March 21, 2022.

Thank You – March 2 2022 Update

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To our Wesleyan community, 

Good news! COVID-19 cases on campus have declined, and we are returning to a Green Alert Level effective immediately. Please continue to follow the campus COVID-19 policies as outlined on Keep Wes Safe.  We trust that students will enjoy the upcoming spring break, beginning on Friday, March 11. Please continue to be cautious – anyone infected with COVID-19 in the next four or five days runs the risk of having their plans for break disrupted

Feb 24 – Update from the Pandemic Planning Committee

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To the Wesleyan community:  
We are pleased to report that over the past several days the COVID-19 positivity rate has started to decline. As a result, we will reopen all in-person dining on campus starting with lunch service today (Thursday).  We also want to share more information on the new streamlined notification process for positive and inconclusive test results for students and the new process for contact tracing for all members of the Wesleyan community. 

Feb 18 – Update from Pandemic Planning Committee

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We recognize that the prolonged nature of the pandemic and the changes it has introduced to our campus can be extremely frustrating. Please know that our latest restrictions are intended to be short-term. It is our hope that we can return to a green alert level once we dampen this latest surge.  The high number of cases that have been reported this week are likely from exposure that occurred last weekend. Fortunately, no one who has tested positive is seriously ill, with most people asymptomatic or experiencing mild cold-like symptoms. And while our community is vaccinated and boosted, it is imperative that we work to stem the spread of infection to protect the most vulnerable among us. Your diligence in adhering to the University mask policy can help us do so. 

Raising COVID-19 Alert Level to Yellow

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We are seeing an increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 on campus this week. Most important, no one who has tested positive this semester at Wesleyan has been seriously ill. The cases we are seeing have been asymptomatic or mild — not surprising given that we are a vaccinated and boosted community. There are extremely low levels of infection among faculty and staff and no sign of spread in classrooms.  Still, while the increased positivity is not cause for alarm, it is important that we stem the spread. As a precautionary measure, we are changing the current alert level to Yellow. 

Lowering COVID-19 Alert Level to Green

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Thanks to low positivity rates on campus and across the state, the Pandemic Planning Committee has decided to drop our alert level to green and relax some restrictions starting February 7.  
Student dining across campus will open and campus social gatherings can take place. If the weather allows, we do suggest, when possible, using grab-and-go dining and eating outside to reduce risk. Similarly, we also recommend holding informal social gatherings outside, when the weather permits. Students may also patronize restaurants and shops in Middletown.

Information for Start of Spring Semester – Jan 19, 2022

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To the Wesleyan community:     

We want to thank you for attending our spring semester webinar last week. We know that the delay to the beginning of the semester has been challenging for some families, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we strive to keep the Wesleyan community safe. We are taking a cautious approach now with the hope that it will allow for a full and rich semester of activity.   The University looks forward to welcoming students back to campus beginning January 27. Based on questions asked during the webinar, and to help you get ready for a safe return, we are sharing some important information.    

Upcoming Webinar: Spring Semester 2022 Protocols

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To the Wesleyan community,

We invite you to join us for a webinar Friday, January 14, titled Campus Update: Spring Semester 2022 Protocols.  The webinar for staff and faculty will take place at 10 a.m. EST.The webinar for students and families will take place at noon EST.  President Michael S. Roth and members of the University’s Pandemic Planning Committee will discuss the plans for the upcoming spring semester. There will also be time to answer your questions. 

Raising COVID-19 Alert Level to Yellow – Jan 10, 2022

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To the Wesleyan Community:   
With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing on campus and throughout the state, as a precautionary measure, the Pandemic Planning Committee has decided to raise the current alert level to Yellow.
The positivity rate on campus is 5.5 percent, as of Friday, January 7.  Please note the following changes and reminders.

Delaying Start of Spring Semester – January 4, 2022

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Dear friends, 

Given the rise in COVID-19 cases and predictions about the trajectory of the pandemic, Wesleyan will delay the beginning of spring semester classes until Thursday, January 27. Spring break will now be March 12–20. 

Classes on Thursday, January 27 and Friday, January 28 will be held virtually before in-person classes resume on Monday, January 31. This will allow students to be tested for COVID-19 at Beckham Hall, and receive results, before they return to in-person learning. Housing will open beginning Thursday, January 27.