Dear Students,
As we wind down the third week of classes, I want to thank you for all you are doing to keep yourself and your sibs safe and healthy, and I encourage you to visit the Keeping Wellesley Healthy site, which has links to all the information that you might need.
Today I want to share some updates and offer some health and safety guidance. Also, you are invited to join Dean Bate and me for a virtual tea with the deans on Thursday, September 24 at 7 p.m. Please RSVP if you would like to attend.
Let’s start with a big change—KSC is open! Make a reservation to work out, swim laps, or reserve a kayak and go for a paddle on the lake. Enjoy! Wellesley Recreation would like to remind you of some of the programs we are offering to keep you moving and connected even while apart.
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Group fitness classes: Virtual and open to all students, faculty, and staff no matter where you are! There are eight weekly classes, mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Taught by certified instructors. Sign up for classes today!
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Walktober: During this time of virtual social engagement, our goal is to connect Wellesley College students, faculty, staff, and alumnae worldwide through walking! This 42-day fitness program has a motivating team competition, an interactive message board, helpful resources, interesting articles, and more. Also, because we know Wellesley loves a good competition, we have added the class color challenge! Team up, add up those steps, and connect with all the generations of Wellesley alumnae through your class color. If you don’t like walking, there is even an activity step converter! Register today—the wellness challenge begins September 21!
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R & R fitness reservations: On-campus students may reserve a cardio machine, pool lane, or kayak during our listed hours of operation.
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Pop UP group fitness classes: Coming soon! On-campus students may join outdoor, in-person group fitness pop-up classes. Follow Wellesley Recreation on social media or visit their website for more information.
Social events are starting to happen, slowly. Don’t forget to check out WEngage for programs on campus and remote. As clubs and orgs begin to plan, please remember that safety must be the priority. Check with Student Involvement for guidance regarding sizes of gatherings and other requirements.
Your guests are welcome. Students are able to have guests on campus, as long as they are outside, physical distancing, and wearing a mask. Guests are not allowed in the buildings. As the weather begins to get cooler, we will revisit our guest policy because we have heard concerns that guests might be inclined to break the rules and enter buildings. If we learn that students are allowing guests to enter the buildings, we will have to file Honor Code charges and eliminate the guest privilege.
Leaving campus is strongly discouraged. There has also been a question of whether students can leave campus at all. Students are allowed to leave campus, but they are expected to practice healthy behaviors while they are away, which includes wearing a mask and physical distancing. Students are strongly discouraged from going to Boston or Cambridge or other places where there will be crowds, and students are specifically NOT ALLOWED to go to off-campus gatherings. Outbreaks at Boston College, Boston University, and other locations have been traced to small off-campus gatherings.
Think about it: If you visit your friend who is not being tested or observing public health guidance, you could potentially be exposed to the virus. You don’t know who that person has been in contact with in the past few days. Once you are tested back at Wellesley, you could be positive. Then you and anyone you have been in contact with will need to go into quarantine or isolation for 14 days. Is that visit off campus really worth missing two weeks of school? Is it worth infecting your siblings, your teachers, your CD, or the custodian who is here to clean? I think you agree, the answer is NO.
Mask on! Even on Instagram—please keep the mask on. Your sibs are getting anxious every time they see you without a mask.
Please observe the signs regarding numbers of people allowed in spaces, especially elevators. I understand an elevator got stuck recently with six people in it! That is not physical distancing at all. Let’s do better, Wellesley. Also, the number of students sitting at tables inside or outside must be limited to the stated number.
Test on time, please. One last reminder that too many students have missed their testing appointments and have had to be rescheduled. Dean Bate is meeting with students who are having difficulty. Housing privileges depend on consistent testing, and students who are not able to maintain consistent testing will lose their ability to remain on campus. In order for all students to remain safe, every one of you must adhere to the protocols. Blockmates, help each other out!
Finally, as I wrap up, I ask that you treat people you think are visitors with respect. I have received a number of complaints that visitors are on our campus. Please, do not confront people you don’t know. Some faculty and staff members have been approached by students and asked to leave, questioning their sense of belonging. Please respect others and always approach any situation with kindness first.
Thanks again for all you are doing to care for yourselves and each other. I hope you get outside and enjoy another lovely fall weekend. Look forward to “seeing” you all next week at our virtual tea!
Sincerely,
Sheilah Shaw Horton
Vice President and Dean of Students
