April 14, 2022
Dear Students,
I hope that you are enjoying the lovely spring surprises like Duck Day that continue to entertain us. The daffodils on the hill; the blue crocuses all over; the buds slowly bursting on trees. We are moving forward Wellesley, and better days are coming. We are also in the midst of a deeply spiritual time with Ramadan, Holy Week and Passover overlapping this week. This is a time of spiritual renewal for many of the students participating in these sacred, holy days on campus. I wish all students who are taking part in these religious observances, and those who are not, to have moments of reflection and peace this week. May the flowers and leaves emerging all around us refresh our minds and renew our energy, as we approach end of semester tasks.
What is not better however, are the Covid rates at Wellesley. We have consistently seen daily rates of 5-10 new positive cases. The rates in Boston and in the state of MA are rising. I want to remind you that masking is your best defense and especially off campus at parties or other events where the vaccination rates may be unknown and where testing is minimal. Also, be careful in kitchens and shared spaces here on campus where you might take a mask off during a meal. Take those meals outside where it is safer to eat together and you can enjoy the spring weather.
Here are some reminders and updates of what is expected on campus:
- Guest Policy on Local Motion buses: Students will be allowed to have guests on the Local Motion buses. Guests must follow the guest policy with uploaded vaccination documents. As with all who ride the buses, guests must be masked at all times.
- Masks must be worn in common rooms in residence halls whenever there are more than 10 people gathering. Students have been unclear on whether this is still a requirement. It is! We are asking this because we want you to be together, but we also want to keep you safe. Big group? Wear a mask!
- Students are permitted to have up to 3 personal guests in the residence halls at any one time. Those guests must follow the guest policy with uploaded vaccination documents and are not permitted to stay in the residence halls overnight.
- Guests are not allowed in any of our culinary centers. Students are allowed to pick up food for their guests using take out containers.
- Cafe Hoop is now able to welcome small numbers of students in their space to eat in. The majority of their business will continue to be takeout. El Table is still takeout only.
- Students may invite guests to their Ruhlman or to their end of year recitals. All guests must be registered with uploaded vaccination documents.
- Programming: occupancy rates in our larger indoor spaces are being reviewed and will soon increase. Please coordinate with the office of student involvement in organizing indoor events, as that office will have the most up-to-date information.
- I am looking forward to the Patriot’s Day barbecue on MarMon, I hope you are too! Please attend some of the harm reduction workshops that are offered to stay safe this weekend.
Other updates:
You all have seen the letter from the President announcing the Pinanski Awards. The nominations will be closing on 4/22 so please give consideration for which faculty you want to nominate.
I hope that you are planning to join us for the upcoming Camellia Awards on April 20th. Many of your peers have been nominated for this outstanding leadership acknowledgment. Please come to support your sibs!
And finally, Soon we will begin our “Dinner with the Deans” program. Join me and another dean for a catered dinner to talk about life, about Wellesley and about you! Two dinners will be planned for up to 10 students. Click here to sign up.
Sheilah Shaw Horton
Vice President and Dean of Students
