To: Wellesley College Faculty and Staff
From: Andy Shennan, Provost and Lia Gelin Poorvu ’56 Dean of the College; Sheilah Shaw Horton, Vice President and Dean of Students; Piper Orton, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer
Re: Access to Campus Buildings
Date: March 19, 2020
Now that the majority of students have moved off campus and we are transitioning to remote instruction, we will be limiting access to our campus buildings and facilities to the Wellesley College community. We have made these changes in a way that will allow faculty and staff to continue to support the work of the College and give students who are remaining on campus places in which they can study and gather in small groups (of 10 or fewer) away from the residence halls but in compliance with social distancing protocols (the 6-feet rule).
We are still finalizing details regarding where students will be staying and dining, and we plan to share those within the next 24 hours. Below are highlights of some of the most significant changes. A comprehensive list of building access schedules and guidance is available on the COVID-19 webpage.
Academic buildings: Academic buildings will continue to operate on weekend schedules with card or key access for faculty, staff, and students. While some faculty may choose to use their offices and classrooms, we ask that students refrain from meeting with faculty in person and instead communicate via email and Zoom, consistent with their off-campus classmates.
Clapp Library and Jewett (including art and music library): Clapp and Jewett will be open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays for faculty and staff through swipe card access. Students will not have access to these buildings, as there will be study spaces open in other buildings. Faculty should consult the LTS website to ensure at least one LTS staff member will be on site. If there is no staff coverage, we ask that faculty call the Campus Police to let them know they will be in Clapp or Jewett.
Keohane Sports Center (KSC): The KSC, including the fitness center, pool, and workout rooms, is closed to protect the health and hygiene of the community. Staff will be able to enter the building using card access.
Science Hill buildings: The Science Center will be open to faculty, staff, and students with swipe card access. Modulars and the Whitin Observatory will be open to faculty and staff with swipe card access. Global Flora will be closed.
Lulu Campus Center: The campus center will remain open by swipe card access to faculty, staff, and students from 8 am to 10 pm. The Emporium will be open. We will be sharing an update on dining hall schedules within 24 hours.
Intercultural houses and centers: Harambee, Acorns, Slater, and Continuing Education will remain open to give on-campus students places to cook and study, but students are not allowed to gather in groups. No more than five students will be allowed in these buildings at one time. The buildings will be accessible by swipe card access only; guests or visitors are not allowed. The buildings will open at 8 am and close at 10 pm.
Houghton Chapel and Multifaith Center: The chapel will be locked but available with swipe card access from 8 am to 10 pm. The Multifaith Center will be closed.
We believe these changes will allow the work of the College to go on, while protecting the health and safety of our campus community. If you have questions or concerns, please contact one of us.
