Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021
Dear Students,
Included in this email are instructions on uploading COVID-19 test results or vaccination documents before the semester gets underway. We have also included several important reminders about remote learning and our health and safety protocols for the semester ahead. Please read on for more information.
Uploading Test Results
Upload your test results or vaccine documentation. Log in using your Wilkes username and password and follow the prompts.
As a reminder, one of the following documents are required to be submitted before you move into your campus residence hall or before classes begin on Monday. Without one of these, you will not be able to attend classes or return to your residence hall.
- A negative result from a test taken no earlier than five days before returning to campus. Your name and date of testing must be clearly noted.
- For students who live in residence halls, that means taking the test no earlier than Monday, Jan. 25.
- For commuting and off-campus students, that means taking the test no earlier than Wednesday, Jan. 27.
- A positive result from a test taken no earlier than 90 days before returning to campus. Your name and date of testing must be clearly noted.
- Studies show that those who have had the virus may continue to test positive long after symptoms cease and the illness has passed. Though they may have a lingering positive test result, these individuals are no longer contagious.
- Proof of receiving both doses of the vaccine before Feb. 1.
- If you are scheduled for your second dose on or after Feb. 1, please submit a COVID-19 test result as listed above.
Assurance Testing
The University has developed an assurance testing plan that will test approximately 200 to 400 members of the campus community each week. The assurance testing process will be underway in February. More information will be shared with you upon returning to campus.
Health and Safety Protocols
As in the fall, face masks are required on campus and social distancing must be observed where feasible. These health and safety guidelines apply to all members of the campus community including those who have received the vaccination. We ask that you continue to take the COVID-19 self-assessment in the Wilkes Shield app every day. As always, if you are sick, please do not come to campus. Contact Health and Wellness Services at ext. 4730 if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Read about all of our health protocols in the Colonels Combat COVID guidebook.
With new variants of the coronavirus emerging in the United States and around the world, there has been much discussion about the value of layering masks for additional protection. Typically, this means wearing a high-quality medical mask underneath a cloth one. Though “double masking” is not required, it is a sensible way to lower your risk of exposure when spending time around others. Please consider this in the semester ahead.
Inclement Weather
In the event of snow or inclement weather, Wilkes may close the campus for some or all of the day. Closing campus means that classes will not meet in person, but they may still meet remotely. Faculty members in each of your classes will determine how classes and assignments will be handled in the event of inclement weather. They will notify you of those decisions at the beginning of the semester or in light of major weather events.
If you are unable to participate remotely, you are responsible for missed assignments or course material. Classes that are scheduled to occur remotely will continue to do so during inclement weather unless your faculty member notifies you otherwise.
Vaccinations
We continue to monitor the nation’s progress on vaccination distribution. Work to vaccinate health care professionals, high-risk individuals and those 65 and older continues at the national level. As we learn more about the timing of vaccinating the education sector, we will let you know.
Campus Dashboard
Another dashboard tracking cases of COVID-19 within our community will launch with the start of the semester. The dashboard and other important COVID-19 resources, including FAQs, can be found at Wilkes spring 2021 COVID-19 information.
The science and medical communities continue to learn more about this virus and its variants. As a result, guidance may change and we may continue to change with it. This is a trying time for us all, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility. We look forward to the start of a healthy, safe and rewarding semester for all.
Sincerely,
COVID-19 Task Force and Daily Response Team