Sam Casey
Editor in Chief
On Monday, Feb.1, students attended in-person classes for the first time this semester after being remote since Jan. 19. While many classes will remain virtual for the whole semester, it was an opportunity for students currently on campus — some of whom studied remotely in the fall — to get back into a familiar routine. Since most students left campus at the end of November, they have received several communications from the College administration outlining the COVID-19 guidelines for Spring 2021. For easier comprehension, the Voice has organized the information in the following sections:
Testing
Prior to returning to campus, students were required to have a negative result, either from the testing kit mailed to them or an independent rapid test. Students will also be required to participate in weekly testing throughout the semester. According to the latest public health update from President Sarah Bolton (Jan. 26), out of the 937 total tests during the first week, four students and four non-students received positive results, a rate of less than one percent. Bolton also outlined the frequency of staff and faculty testing: weekly tests for employees who work with their hands or become a close contact of someone COVID-19 positive; testing every other week for those who work in multiple spaces on campus and have regular contact with students or the public; monthly testing for those that work while staying mostly isolated; testing by request for faculty and staff off campus or without regular contact. There will also be wastewater testing and improved symptom monitoring to catch situations before they get out of control.
Local Public Health Situation
In the same update, Bolton explains that the City of Wooster’s health situation is steady, with reduced positive tests and hospitalizations. For better communication, the Campus 2020-21 Guide home page will feature the current operational level—green, yellow, orange or red—which corresponds to different levels of restriction based on the health situation on campus or in the broader community. An email will be sent out when operation levels change.
What Works and What Doesn’t
“In planning for spring,” Bolton wrote, “we have carefully studied the fall experience here at Wooster as well as at other colleges and universities around the country.” According to Bolton and the administration, in-person classes, labs, music and athletic practices do not cause transmission of the virus, despite student concerns last semester. She said the most frequent examples of transmissions are when people eat together in small spaces, such as rooms or their cars, or during small, indoor gatherings in residence halls or homes. This is what contributed most to the surge in COVID-19 cases the College saw in October. Therefore, only one outside visitor will be permitted in a residential space (dorm, house, apartment, suite) at a time, and everyone must be masked at all times. Additionally, Bolton enumerated that frequent testing along with better contact tracing, isolation and quarantine techniques prevents further spread when it occurs. The College recognized the importance of connection and engagement with those feeling isolated.
Can Students Go Off-Campus?
Students may go into the Wooster community for medical needs, work or picking up food to-go when operation levels are green or yellow. Overnight travel is only permitted in exceptional circumstances, by the Dean of Students’ Office, and off-campus visitors are prohibited, even remote students.
Violations of Rules
Reported violations of the Community Care Agreement, signed by all students in order to learn in-person, will go to the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities. After an official meeting, students found in violation will be sanctioned (from written warning to suspension) based on the severity of the circumstances and conduct record, not solely on how many times a student has violated a single rule.
Weekly updates will continue to be sent out, including decisions on levels of student engagement as I.S. Monday is around the corner. Prior to establishing the guidelines, the administration met with several student groups, including Scot Council, seeking feedback on what will make the spring semester successful.