COVID-19 Planning

Colonels Combat COVID

Returning for the 2021-22 Academic Year

Wilkes University looks forward to welcoming you back for the 2021-22 academic year. With much of our campus community vaccinated, we are returning to reduced restrictions. But the pandemic is not over. Cases continue to be reported worldwide, particularly among those who are not vaccinated. Fortunately, the existing vaccines are proven to be highly effective against existing variants, some of which are more contagious and more severe than previous strains of the virus.

The protocols listed below focus on how both vaccinated and unvaccinated members of our campus community can learn, work and interact with others as safely as possible. As always, our decisions will be made with your health and safety at top of mind and under the guidance of national, state and regional health officials.

Though vaccines are not required, it is the best protection we have. We encourage everyone who can be vaccinated to do so for the health and safety of themselves and others.

Wilkes University campus protocols are as follows.

All members are required to report their vaccination status. You can do so by uploading a copy of your vaccination card or documentation here. If you cannot or opt not to be vaccinated for any reason, or if you are only partially vaccinated by Aug. 13, you must submit an exemption form. Once fully vaccinated, you can upload your vaccination card.
Unvaccinated individuals must participate in assurance testing. This will occur throughout the semester in two to three week intervals, depending on the number of students, faculty and staff who are not vaccinated. Individuals will be contacted with testing location and details. Those who do not appear for testing will face University sanctions.
Masks are required in all indoor campus locations. This includes classrooms, labs, study and lounge spaces, offices, shared University vehicles, meeting rooms, common areas, indoor athletic facilities and the library. Indoor dining areas will require face masks when individuals are not eating or drinking. Face masks will not be required in individual rooms in residence halls, or in individuals office spaces for employees, but will be required in all common areas.
Isolation and quarantine will be required with varying requirements. Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will isolate for 10 days. Unvaccinated members of the campus will quarantine for as much as 10 days if exposed to a positive case for COVID-19. At this time, vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine if exposed, but should be tested for COVID-19 two to five days following exposure. If results are positive, they should isolate for 10 days.

As the health situation changes, so will our protocols. Please continue to monitor this page and your Wilkes email for additional announcements.

Questions?

Have a question? Check our FAQs. You may also submit a question online. We will address common questions in a group email format or by adding answers here as our plans are finalized.

Updated: Aug. 20, 2021

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