Return to Campus Updates

Dear Students,

At Wheaton, the Honor Code informs all aspects of campus life. Established by students for the purpose of self-governance in 1921, The Honor Code is a commitment to the ideals of academic excellence and individual responsibility.

As many of us return to campus within a world impacted by COVID-19, we all must also do our part for a safe return to campus and semester for our entire community. With this principle in mind, student members of the Return to Campus Task Force and the Student Government Association have established a new form of self-governance, the Community Commitment.

As members of the Wheaton community, we all share the responsibility of ensuring that “we may have life and have it abundantly.” Wheaton will rely on us to work together to self-monitor and comply with all protocols put forth by our college, the CDC, and the Massachusetts Department of Health. The full commitment details the action items that each one of us must abide by in order to keep our campus safe, healthy, and open.

Preparing for Arrival
Before you come to campus, limit contact with those outside of your residence and minimize any travel from home except for essentials such as grocery store and doctor visits. Stay away from attending large gatherings or other recent social hot spots (restaurants, bars, parties, gyms, etc). Complete the required COVID-19 training, follow appropriate travel guidance, and submit proper documentation for move-in and onboarding testing.

Living on Campus
Simple measures, such as wearing a mask or face covering, maintaining social distance of six feet, and proper washing of the hands for 20 seconds are critical to preventing the spread of the virus. Masks or face coverings must be worn inside any Wheaton facility where others are present and outside where social distancing cannot be maintained. Utilize virtual meeting options and pre-schedule any campus office visits.

Preventing the Spread
Testing our community for COVID-19 is a critical component of our community’s ongoing safety. Your required participation in the testing, quarantine and potential contact tracing process are all crucial to the success of mitigating community risk. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Take care of yourself and take care of others.

A Shared Responsibility
Do not gather in groups and follow the appropriate guidelines and signage posted around campus and in facilities. Visitors are prohibited from campus buildings and all on-campus residents are strongly encouraged to minimize travel off campus to only essential needs such as attending medical appointments or work. All students, both residential and commuter students, are expected to practice social distancing, face covering, and good hygiene practices at all times, whether on campus or off. Support each other and contribute to community safety.

On behalf of the Student Government Association,

Aba Lypps
SGA President

Categories:
• SGA