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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. 

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.

Winter Session Classes Going Virtual

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To the Wesleyan community:    

The Pandemic Planning Committee is writing to let you know that, out of an abundance of caution, those winter session classes previously scheduled to take place in-person will now be virtual.     

We recognize that this change will only affect a small number of students, faculty, and staff, as most of our winter classes were already taking place online. However, the continued uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant and upcoming holiday travel has led us to take this precautionary measure.    

Preparing for Spring Semester – December 16, 2021

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To the Wesleyan community:

We want to update you on the COVID-19 protocols we have planned for the spring semester.  

While we watch the data on the Omicron variant with concern, thanks to our vaccination, booster and mask policies, we are well-poised to safely continue our in-person classes and co-curricular activities in the spring semester.  

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.

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.