Student Affairs

Public Health Update – December 6, 2021

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To the campus community:

I’d like to take a moment to offer information about the Omicron variant, answer some questions about boosters, and remind you of the University’s approach to isolation and quarantine.

As you know, we have seen a fluctuation in the number of COVID-19 cases on campus over the past several weeks. Thanks to an almost fully vaccinated campus and our mask mandate, we had very few cases at the beginning of the semester. Those numbers rose before Thanksgiving, but we have seen a reduction over the past week. The increase in cases is a reminder that we all still need to be diligent and adhere to all the safety protocols outlined on Keep Wes Safe website.

Increased cases of many viral illnesses, including COVID-19, are more prevalent in the colder months as activities move inside. Thanks to our safety protocols, we have not seen spread in classroom settings. Spread of COVID-19 appears to be happening primarily through indoor, unmasked socialization.

Update from the Pandemic Planning Committee

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To the Wesleyan community:

The Pandemic Planning Community continues to closely monitor our COVID-19 positivity rate. Test results from this week—14 new positive cases from a total of 2971 tests—are lower than the rate of positive cases reported prior to the Thanksgiving break.

Our campus positivity rate remains low in the context of the surrounding area. In addition, those who have tested positive have experienced either no symptoms or mild symptoms. Please review the COVID dashboard for updated information.

Public Health Update – November 22, 2021

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Dear Students,

As we lead up to the Thanksgiving break we have seen another increase in COVID-19 cases, and our positivity rate increased for this week, but still remains low in context of the surrounding area.

The reported illnesses have been mild and we believe that the spread has taken place through social events and unmasked gatherings. We have not seen evidence of spread taking place in the classroom. Since the rates have increased around us in Middletown, and in Connecticut more generally, we ask everyone to be diligent in wearing face coverings indoors this weekend to help reduce the risk of a further increase in cases. 

Public Health Update – September 10, 2021

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To the campus community, 

As we complete the first week of classes, we want to thank everyone for their patience, and continued efforts toward the safety and well-being of our shared campus community. Thanks to everyone doing their part in following and enforcing our safety protocols, we have been able to maintain low COVID positivity rates. 

Although this is a significant milestone, it is important to note that we must still adhere to the safety guidelines and precautions that have proven effective thus far in keeping levels of infection down.

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 14, 2021: UPDATE: Wesleyan/CHC Vaccine Clinic for Students

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Dear students,

I write with an update regarding the University’s partnership with the Community Health Center (CHC) to host vaccine clinics on April 24 and 25. Due to the Federal Drug Administration’s current review of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, CHC will now administer the two-dose Pfizer vaccine.

Students who choose to be vaccinated at this clinic will receive the first dose on their originally scheduled date and the second on May 15 or 16, three weeks after the initial dose. Parking Lot V at 75 Vine Street will serve as our walk-through vaccination site. All Wesleyan students—both undergraduate and graduate—enrolled in the spring 2021 semester and studying on campus may receive the vaccine.