Human Resources

Vaccine Booster Requirement for Spring 2022

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To the Wesleyan community,

Thanks to our high vaccination rates, mask mandates, and robust testing protocols, the Wesleyan campus community has consistently maintained COVID-19 positivity rates lower than our surrounding area. This remains the case, even as we have seen an increase in positive campus cases. Most importantly, since we have the protection of vaccinations, the COVID-19 cases we’ve had thus far have been asymptomatic or mild. Vaccine booster shots are now available, and they offer an important additional layer of protection.

August 27, 2021: COVID-19 Testing Update

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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.

August 19, 2021: Prepare for Fall Semester

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To the Wesleyan community:

As we prepare for fall semester, we can tell you that 95 percent of employees are vaccinated –with about 4 percent requiring medical or religious exemptions – and that we anticipate similar percentages with respect to students. Those receiving exemptions will wear masks on campus and will be tested for COVID-19 regularly. While we watch the data on the Delta variant with concern, we are well-protected and in a good place to start the semester with in-person classes and co-curricular activities.

August 5, 2021: Mask Update

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To the Wesleyan community:

Given the spread of the COVID Delta variant and following the recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the University is mandating the wearing of masks in all university buildings regardless of vaccination status.

Effective immediately, masks must be worn indoors on campus except in private residential spaces or in private offices. We will provide additional guidance in the coming weeks on how masking may impact teaching and co-curricular activities.

July 14, 2021: Campus Update

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To the Wesleyan community:

I hope you are enjoying your summer. This past year the global pandemic has tested us all, asking us to have courage and flexibility in the face of a great unknown. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and diligence in keeping our community safe, we are excited for a return to normalcy on campus this fall.

I want to take a moment to update you on plans for the upcoming academic year.

May 5, 2021: Campus Update

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To the Wesleyan community,

I want to sincerely thank you all for your tireless efforts toward making Wesleyan a safe place to be this academic year. Because of your care, diligence, and cooperation in following the community guidelines, we have been able to maintain COVID-19 positivity rates well below the level predicted by our modeling. I am pleased to report that we are planning for a return to normal campus operations and residential education in the fall.

Toward that end, I want to share important campus updates from the Pandemic Planning Committee. In the coming months, we will begin to relax some restrictions in preparation for fall. Employees should continue to consult with their Cabinet members on work plans. The following changes will take effect:    

April 13, 2021: Student Vaccination Requirement for Fall 2021

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To the Wesleyan community,

With the recent expansion of eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut and around the country, and given our relatively low positivity rate throughout the 2020–21 academic year, we are looking toward the future with cautious optimism. We expect that our fall semester will see us return to residential life and the close-knit, stimulating campus environment so meaningful to all of us.

To that end, Wesleyan will require all students to receive the vaccine prior to returning to campus for the fall semester. Every student (with the exception of those who have approved medical or religious exemptions) will need to verify with the University that they are fully vaccinated prior to their arrival. Students can upload their vaccination record to the Davison Health Center.

March 18, 2021: Campus COVID Updates and Reminders

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To the campus community,

We are writing to share a number of important COVID-19 updates, in light of recent changes to the State of Connecticut’s plans.

Effective tomorrow, Connecticut’s governor has relaxed a number of restrictions across the state, including no longer requiring offices to maintain a 50 percent occupancy limit. The University will generally follow the 50 percent occupancy of offices for the time being while cabinet members will continue to guide and direct staffing for their divisions.

In addition, the governor has accelerated the state’s age-based vaccine distribution plan. As of tomorrow, all individuals aged 45 and older may schedule their appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations. Scheduling will open to all individuals aged 16 and older tentatively beginning on April 5. (Please note that this new phase starting April 5 combines the 35 to 44 age range and the 16 to 34 age range, which had previously each been scheduled during separate weeks later in the spring.) The University encourages everyone to get vaccinated when you have the chance to do so.

February 4, 2021: Information for Returning to Work on Campus

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Dear colleagues,

Welcome to the spring semester. Tomorrow, students will begin arriving back in Middletown. After consulting with public health officials and carefully reviewing and refining our health and safety protocols, we believe we have a clear plan for students to safely return to campus. As always, we will rely on all students, faculty, and staff to do their part in following safety guidelines at all times throughout the semester to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Because the COVID positivity rate in Connecticut and across the United States is higher than when we began the fall, we will need everyone’s renewed attention to these guidelines.

November 11, 2020: Staff Update

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Date: November 11, 2020 Subject: Staff Update From: Lisa Brommer Dear colleagues, I hope this note finds you well. As you know, our campus will soon begin to feel much quieter as most students head home for Thanksgiving recess and remain off-campus through early February. (A small number of students have petitioned to remain on … Read more…