Update on Campus Events and Dining Options

We have seen two weeks of consistent compliance with the Community Commitment and the testing protocol.  Thank you for working together to keep this community safe.  We should all be proud of our community as we continue to navigate the pandemic together.  As of Monday, February 22, hybrid campus events may begin, as well as the introduction of limited indoor dining options. More information on both of these areas are listed below.

Campus Events

Review the email from Conference and Events on February 15, 2021 for more information on campus events, or the Return to Campus website. Beginning today, students may start to host in-person, on-campus hybrid events.  The email and website provide additional ways of offering events/gatherings this semester to encourage safe engagement opportunities on campus.

Indoor Dining

Beginning today, indoor dining options will be available in Chase, Emerson, and the Balfour-Hood Cafe. Please note that take out options will still be available.  Due to current state guidance and safety regulations, the following policies have been established for indoor dining:

  • Seating will be limited to one person per table

  • There will be a 30-minute limit

  • A cleared status on CoVerified will be required to sit in the dining facilities

A few reminders:

  • Testing: All students will be required to test twice weekly throughout the semester if they are living on campus, or coming to campus at least three times a week for any reason. Students are required to test once a week if they are coming to campus twice a week, or less. Schedule all of your semester appointments ahead of time on the CoVerified App.

  • Face Coverings: All community members are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when you are outside your residence hall room, with the exception of bathing and eating. Bandanas, neck gaiters and masks with exhalation valves are not permitted. As guidance continues to evolve, we would encourage you to review the CDC guidance on improving how your mask protects you.

  • Guests: On-campus residential students may have any on-campus residential student that lives in their same residential hall, house or suite as their guest in their private bedroom area of their assigned residence hall, house or suite. Each room resident is able, and limited, to host only one guest at a time. As such, the maximum occupancy of a room with one resident present is two people, and the maximum occupancy of a room with two or more residents present is four people. Off-campus guests, including off-campus Wheaton students, are NOT permitted in the residence halls and theme houses.

  • Travel: All students have been encouraged to limit their travel off campus to essential travel only. A special note about the Massachusetts Travel Order: you will be required to adhere to the travel order if you choose to leave the state at any time during the semester. Please email covidtesting@wheatoncollege.edu if you plan to leave the state overnight.

  • Vaccinations: If you were able to receive both doses of a COVID-19 vaccination, please email health_services@wheatoncollege.edu with a picture of your CDC vaccination card with the dates.

The Return to Campus Task Force will continue to monitor the conditions on and off campus, including compliance with behavioral and testing expectations.  As conditions allow, we will reevaluate additional restrictions on campus as we continue to navigate this unique environment on campus.  Please continue to prioritize the health and safety of you and the entire Wheaton community.

Have a great week!

Stay safe and be well,

Dean Zack

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