College to Continue Mask-Optional Policy as New Academic Year Opens

Campus COVID-19 Protocols

COVID-19 VACCINE:

• Wilmington College encourages all faculty, staff and students to get fully vaccinated.
• The COVID-19 vaccination is now included the standard immunization requirements for all students. Students are eligible to apply for medical or religious accommodation for the COVID-19 vaccination and other vaccinations. All students must either have a COVID vaccination record or an approved exemption in their PRIVIT account.
• For those faculty, staff, and students who are currently fully vaccinated, thank you for taking steps to protect yourself and our community.
• The College will continue to take steps to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to make the process of getting vaccinated as convenient as possible.

• Additional testing will occur at the discretion of the College administration based on the campus and community COVID-19 cases that will be informed by current CDC and federal guidelines.
• Testing of symptomatic individuals will continue for the Spring semester.
• Testing of athletes will continue in accordance with OAC and NCAA guidelines.

ATHLETICS:

• Spectators are allowed at all indoor and outdoor events. Concessions will be available.

FACIAL COVERINGS/MASKING REQUIREMENTS:

• Wilmington College will continue with a mask-optional policy campus-wide.*
• *However, in keeping with our Quaker values, especially Respect for All Others, we must be mindful that there are staff, faculty, and students on campus who have concerns for themselves and/or their family members of being exposed to COVID-19. Therefore, it is expected that when asked to wear a mask in a classroom, office space, meeting room or personal space by any individual on campus that we are respectful to that individual during that time. (As a general practice, you should always carry a mask with you, in case you are asked to wear one.) 
• Wilmington College fully supports those who choose to continue to wear a mask or need to wear a mask due to health concerns.
• Faculty will communicate with their classes regarding mask requirements in classes, labs and offices.

CLASSROOMS & MEETING SPACES:

• Classrooms and meeting rooms have been reset to pre-pandemic furniture set-up, normal usage and capacity will be allowed.
• Eating in classrooms during class/academic session is not allowed.
• Food and beverages will be allowed during campus events outside of the TOP.

DINING HALL:

• The TOP dining hall will continue to be an entrance and exit restrictions.
• Seating and tables will return to normal capacity.

TRAVEL:

• Individuals requesting to participate in Wilmington College sponsored foreign travel/education opportunities will be required to be fully vaccinated and comply with current foreign travel guidelines.
• Domestic travel as a part of a College sponsored event will be allowed where all individuals will be mandated to follow current COVID-19 protocols.
• Group leader/driver of campus vehicles may require occupants to wear a mask.

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/MEETINGS:

• Student and campus activities (including academic and athletic events) will continue to be monitored and managed utilizing the Event Approval Form process.

LIBRARY, HARCUM ART GALLERY, QUAKER HERITAGE CENTER, PEACE RESOURCE CENTER:

• All facilities will operate under normal conditions.

THEATRE:

• All facilities will operate under normal conditions.

Individual Self-Assessment Requirements

VACCINATED AND UNVACCINATED

All students, staff, and faculty must continue to conduct a personal self-assessment, including taking their temperature, for the following COVID-19 symptoms daily:

• Cough.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Fever (100.4F or higher)
• Chills.
• Muscle pain.
• Sore throat.
• New loss of taste or smell.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Individuals experiencing the above symptoms will:

• If an employee, contact their health care provider for assessment of the symptoms prior to coming to campus.
• If a student, contact Student Health Services for assessment of the symptoms prior to reporting to class.
• If directed to be tested by your health care provider, employees and students should advise Human Resources (humanresources@wilmington.edu) or Student Health Services (wchealthcenter@wilmington.edu).
• Follow directives from your health care provider, student health services, and/or local health department about isolation or quarantine requirements. Advise Human Resources (humanresources@wilmington.edu) or Student Health Services (wchealthcenter@wilmington.edu).
• Students will be required to attend classes via Zoom if: a) experiencing symptoms, b) in isolation, or c) in quarantine.
• Employees should not come to campus or attend meetings or other campus events in person if experiencing symptoms.