Happy Friday Wellesley Students,
We are ready to move into a new phase of engagement on campus. We are relieved that the number of positive covid-19 cases has decreased as expected and the infection rate for the state is down to pre-Thanksgiving levels. Moving forward we must continue to take reasonable precautions to stay safe, while also finding ways to reignite our vibrant campus life.
We are able to make a number of adjustments to our policies. There will be a more comprehensive communication next week, but for now, the following changes are in effect:
- Masks: Students are allowed to take off their masks in common spaces in the residence halls where HEPA filters are installed (Living rooms). If students are on their own floors they may also opt to take off their masks. All other times in the residence halls or other buildings, masks are required. Please be mindful that the staff who work in the dining halls and residence halls will still have on masks as a way to protect themselves and their families. Please respect them by keeping your mask on in their presence.
- Programming in the residence halls may have food as long as it is in the living rooms or common areas where HEPA filters are installed.
- Programming in the cultural houses (Slater, Harambee, Acorns) may have food as long as the HEPA filter is on. Masks must be worn when students are not eating.
- Society Houses are not allowed to have food at events at this time because they do not have proper ventilation.
- El Table and Cafe Hoop have been approved to open take out operations.
- Out of state travel is allowed. You no longer need to request permission to travel. You must be responsible to obtain the results of an on campus negative PCR test before you can return to in person class. Please consider this community obligation when planning any out of state travel. This applies to spring break travel as well. There is no specific date of return – you must be sure to test and receive the results before you can go to in person class. If you have a class on Monday, be sure to arrive on Saturday because your test results may take longer than one day.
- Off campus masking: Other colleges still have higher rates than we do, so you must wear masks off campus – on transportation and in indoor spaces.
- No Guests yet: Guests have not been allowed in the residence halls for the past two years. We understand how important it is to student support and mental health to be able to have family and friends visit. We are working on a plan to allow students to upload vaccination status for guests. Unfortunately we are not there yet. Until we have our plan and process outlined, please continue to meet your guests outside of the residence halls.
- Spring break: All classes will continue to be in person following spring break. Students should plan to arrive early enough to ensure that you get a negative test result before you return to class. If you return to campus after the testing center is closed, you will need to do an in room restriction until you can get tested. The testing schedule will be posted in the Toolbox. Also, during spring break there will be limited dining available. Only one dining hall will be open.
- A reminder regarding positive tests: Students will continue to be required to isolate either at home if they live locally or at the hotel. While we are able to provide transportation, food and a comfortable room, we are unable to provide singles. I know that some students find this difficult but we are limited in capacity and are not able to provide every positive student a single room. There are also important forms and educational materials that you must complete.Please be sure to follow all the instructions for a smooth transition.
The success of our health and safety approach depends upon regular and consistent testing. You must test twice a week. And now that we have returned to pool testing it is very important to check your email and text messages the day after you test to determine if you need to retest. If you need to retest please go directly to the testing center. Do not go to class or engage in any group activities until you have tested and received a negative result. And please do not go into town or CVS if you are worried that you are positive. This only endangers others in the community. If you are not sure, please stay in your room until you can test the next day. Students who miss tests will have their Onecard turned off until they test. And if your Onecard is turned off more than once, you will receive an honor code violation and may lose housing privileges. Also, students who choose to get an outside test instead of testing on campus are also in violation of the Community Code of Conduct. Please help each other to get to the testing center on time.
As the snow melts and we inch closer to spring, I hope that you are getting out and connecting with friends all over campus. There is much to do! The College government elections process has begun and this may be an interest to you. Also, the Student Involvement Calendar and the CG Digest is full of fun and interesting events. The Davis Museum is open and our spring sports teams have begun to compete. Let’s support the Blue!
Also, we are in the middle of Black History Month. I hope that you are able to attend some of the interesting lectures and events celebrating the rich history and contributions of Black people in the US. If you are unable to attend the events, take the time to watch documentaries, read books or visit the Museum of Afro American History. Engaging across differences is one of the greatest gifts that Wellesley can offer you.
Here are some other upcoming activities you may want to consider:
Career Education is excited to offer WePitch — a series of workshops that build to a Pitch Competition on April 23, 2022. WePitch will foster and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, building towards confidence in pitching your idea. While this series is designed for learning and fun, the simulation will offer you a real-life exercise in starting a business! If you have any questions, please email Christina Breiter at cbreiter@wellesley.edu. We look forward to seeing you at Saturday’s launch!
The Slater International Center and the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) is very excited to announce our annual International Women’s Day: Women in the World event! This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme focuses on Gender Equality & #BreaktheBias Please register for this IWD event, open in-person only to students, staff, and faculty in the Wellesley College testing protocol with their College ID. If you would like to attend virtually, you will receive a Zoom link after registering. This event will be live streamed.
I hope these changes allow you to show each other your beautiful smiles more often!
Enjoy the long weekend,
Sheilah Shaw Horton
Vice President and Dean of Students
