Dear Students,
As we wind up the first week of term 2 there is much to reflect on in terms of our successes with avoiding COVID-19 spread. Congrats! Of course, there is also much to ponder in terms of our ability to maintain our success in light of the rising trends in the surrounding communities and across the nation. As President Johnson and I mentioned in our webinar last night, we at Wellesley need to make some changes to seal the bubble. The new rules to limit travel to the town of Wellesley and the new rule that NO guests are allowed on campus are pretty clear. We need to focus on our internal community and our relationships.
So I have good news to share. This morning, we have approved a new pilot plan to allow students to have a block mate in their room, as long as they are both wearing masks and maintaining distance. Since gatherings in residence hall rooms are not allowed, block mate visits must be one at a time. This plan begins today, October 30, and we will evaluate in two weeks. Hopefully this change will allow for students to spend quality time together, while maintaining safe distance.
One caveat that is very important: group gatherings in your room continue to be off limits. If you have a group gathering in your room, it violates the health and safety rules and you will be asked to leave the residence halls. If you want to gather as a group, you need to keep the group to under 10 people and find a location that is large enough to allow for safe distancing. Ask your CD for which rooms in your building meet this criteria.
Don’t forget, the library is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students can also request a reservation for extended hours until 10 p.m. during the week and from 2 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Read more on the Library hours webpage.
As we approach Halloween, your safety is our number one concern and fun is a close second. Check out WEngage for the events that are planned. BE SAFE and HAVE FUN!
And lastly, I hope you all get outside and enjoy the snow! Make a snow person and send a picture to deanofstudentsoffice@wellesley.edu. The best three will receive a Wellesley sweatshirt.
Sincerely,
Sheilah Shaw Horton
Vice President and Dean of Students
