Community Support

Public Health Update – 5/7

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To the Wesleyan community,

Happy May, everyone! In a few short weeks, classes will end, final exams and projects will be completed, and the University will celebrate the Class of 2021 during Commencement. Summer is just around the corner.

I am happy to see COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths decrease in many states, including Connecticut. We are starting to regain a sense of normalcy as more and more people are vaccinated. Remember that you are not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after your final vaccine dose. Prior to that, you must consider yourself unvaccinated and maintain our approach to COVID safety guidelines. We received many questions about life on campus for the remainder of the semester, even for those vaccinated. To be safe, we are staying the course with face coverings, distancing, and regular COVID testing.

Students, once you are fully vaccinated, you must upload your information to the Davison Health Center. Faculty and staff, once you are fully vaccinated, we encourage you to share your information via WesPortal.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has posted helpful pictorial charts outlining the differences between which activities unvaccinated and fully vaccinated people may safely participate in. Of particular note, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people are advised to continue to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, such as malls, movie theaters, and museums.

Although our optimism grows, we note that the effect that COVID is having around the world is heartbreaking. We can only hope that medical supplies and personnel, as well as vaccines, can be made available to all in need. Closer to home, we continue to acknowledge the impact that COVID has had on our local communities, family, and friends. Many of us have lost important figures in our lives without the opportunity to properly grieve and say goodbye. In addition, let us keep in our thoughts those who are suffering from long-lasting complications and symptoms—including heart and lung conditions and long-haul syndrome—as well as those whose lives have been upended by the indirect effects of the pandemic.

Our Pandemic Planning Committee has been planning for the fall semester. We will be informed by the guidelines of the CDC and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Anticipating a fully vaccinated campus, we are looking forward to a safe semester with the full range of Wesleyan offerings. Additional details regarding the fall will be shared later in the summer.

Our students, staff, and faculty can all pat themselves on the back for their fortitude and positivity, and for the sacrifices they made to ensure a safe campus environment. A university can have the best-laid plans, but only genuine cooperation ensures success. Our Wesleyan community has come through with flying colors!

Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2021 and their families. I wish you the best with all future endeavors.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and restful summer break.

Tom McLarney, MD

UPDATE: Wesleyan/CHC Vaccine Clinic for Students

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Dear students,

I write with an update regarding the University’s partnership with the Community Health Center (CHC) to host vaccine clinics on April 24 and 25. Due to the Federal Drug Administration’s current review of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, CHC will now administer the two-dose Pfizer vaccine.

Students who choose to be vaccinated at this clinic will receive the first dose on their originally scheduled date and the second on May 15 or 16, three weeks after the initial dose. Parking Lot V at 75 Vine Street will serve as our walk-through vaccination site. All Wesleyan students—both undergraduate and graduate—enrolled in the spring 2021 semester and studying on campus may receive the vaccine.

If you have already registered, you do not need to register again. However, if you registered and have been vaccinated at another location, please cancel your appointment. For students who need to cancel or modify their appointment, you may do so by using your confirmation email (CHCvaccineclinic). Please make any changes to your vaccine appointment by Friday, April 16.

Please note that students who are studying remotely are not eligible to receive the vaccine at this clinic. In addition, students who have already been vaccinated or who are in isolation or quarantine at the time of the clinic will not be vaccinated at this clinic.

You will need to bring your Wesleyan ID card and the completed prevaccination questionnaire with you to your appointment. Because the clinic needs to prepare and plan for a specific number of vaccine doses, it is critical that you arrive promptly at your scheduled appointment time. To avoid congestion, please do not accompany your friends to their appointments if you do not have an appointment at that time. 

Wesleyan will require all students to receive the vaccine prior to returning to campus for the fall semester. Every student (with the exception of those who have approved medical or religious exemptions) will need to verify with the University that they are fully vaccinated prior to their arrival. Students can upload their vaccination record to the Davison Health Center.

Rick Culliton

Dean of Students

Chair, Pandemic Planning Committee

Be-Friend Initiative Begins on 3/22

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What is be-friend?
BE-FRIEND aims to pair Wes students with each other to connect and share thoughts, ideas, and themselves. It is open to all Wed students regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or ability. We hope to foster connections in the midst of a time characterized by social distancing and disconnect.

How it works:
Interested participants will complete an initial survey designed to help the chaplain’s office pair you with someone based on your preferences, including faith or no-faith tradition, gender identity, race/ethnicity/ethnic identity, and any specific preference you might have.

The program will begin on March 22 and go through the end of April. If the pair of “friends” want to continue to meet, in-person or online, that’s up to them. We will gather safely outside in early May to enjoy a celebratory meal (provided by a local restaurant). For those participating from elsewhere, we will mail a care package to their preferred address. Each participant will receive a free t-shirt.

Here is the link to the survey: https://forms.gle/qE1HTwXpPQJMm9GZ8

 

Announcement for Be-Friend Initiative with flowers

Notes from the Class Dean – 2/5

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Dear members of the Class of 2021,

I hope that all of you have taken the time to rest and enjoy winter break. Classes begin on Tuesday, February 9th, and I’m writing to follow up with some additional information/resources to help you start the semester well and successfully complete the drop/add period. You may also access this message on our class blog.

Enrollment

Starting on Saturday, February 6th you are required to enroll in the University. To enroll, login to WesPortal, click through the yellow alert banner at the top of the page, then click on the “Enroll Me” button. Please be aware that you will not be able to participate in drop/add until you have enrolled in the University. You must enroll in the University by Monday, February 22nd, at 11:59pm, EDT. You must do this regardless of whether you will attend classes in-person or remotely this spring.

In addition to enrolling, you must resolve any holds in your list of Action Items. To access your list, go to:

WesPortal > Enrollment Checklist & Addresses > Hold/Enroll

Instruction(s) on how to resolve each action item are provided on the page. Many action items can be resolved with a simple click of the mouse.

All action items must be resolved within the first week of classes. Please be aware that you will still be able to participate in drop/add even if you have unresolved action items (as long as you have already enrolled in the University using the “Enroll Me” button).

Change of Grading Mode

The last day to change the grading mode for courses with the Student Option is Tuesday, March 2nd by 5pm, EDT.

Digital Learning Tips for Classes and Drop/Add

Remember there are resources to help you navigate our online and hybrid learning environments. You may access a set of tips and resources to navigate the upcoming drop/add period and online learning through our class blog.

COVID-19 Campus Protocol for Students on Remote Study Status & Leaves of Absence

Students on remote study status are not permitted to visit campus for any reason during the Spring 2021 semester. This includes attending in-person classes, events, practices, meetings or visiting with students on campus, etc.

Students on medical, academic or non-academic leave must also adhere to the COVID-19 mitigation protocol to not visit campus for any reason during the Spring 2021 semester.

Additionally, the state of CT has a mandatory quarantine order in place for those traveling to any part of CT from other states on their list. You may access that information here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel.

Senior Paperwork & Resources

I will begin sending reminders within the next few weeks to help you prepare to finish your last semester at Wes.

Please review the resources to help you prepare for completing your last semester and graduation. You may access the Senior Packet and more useful information on our class blog.

As of now, you should review your Credit Analysis Report, General Education Report, and Major/Minor Certification Forms in WesPortal. You may have already received an email from me about oversubscription. You may access more information about this here.

Check to make sure your full legal name is spelled correctly for your diploma. You may access information on how to confirm your diploma name here.

Additionally, don’t forget about programs and services offered by Gordon Career Center and the Cardinals Helping Cardinals program.

Commencement 2021

Commencement is scheduled for May 30th. Additional details about the format (e.g. in-person and/or virtual) will be available later this spring.

Class Dean Office/Appointment Hours

I am still working remotely until further notice, but I am accessible through email, appointment hours, etc. I will continue to conduct appointments through Zoom or Google Meeting, and my calendar is available through the following link for the duration of the Spring 2021 semester: https://tinyurl.com/deanleathers. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Last year was difficult for so many of us, and we’re clearly not out of the woods yet. I’m hopeful for what is in store for us this year. And while uncertainty appears to be a hallmark of our present time, the love and care that we show for one another can be as well.

I wish you a wonderful start to spring classes, and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns moving forward.

All my best,

Dean Leathers

Spring 2021 Anti-Racist Reading Group

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Hello Everyone,

You are invited to participate in the Spring 2021 Anti-Racist Reading Group for faculty, staff, and students sponsored by the Office for Equity and Inclusion.  My name is Demetrius Colvin and I am the Director of The Resource Center and will facilitate this Spring’s reading of the 3rd edition of Allan G. Johnson’s Power, Privilege, and Difference (link) for the reading group.  The reading group will meet once a week starting the week of Feb. 15th.  If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form by Friday, February 5th so I can get a sense from you all what will be the best time to meet each week for our discussions and if you need any assistance in getting a copy of the reading.  Let me know if you have any follow-up questions or concerns and I look forward to learning and collaborating with you all this semester!

Sincerely,

-Demetrius

DEMETRIUS COLVIN

Director, The Resource Center

Wesleyan University
167 High Street | Middletown, CT 06459
P. (860) 685-3979 | E. dcolvin@wesleyan.edu

Website: https://www.wesleyan.edu/resourcecenter/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/wesresourcecenter/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesresourcecenter/

 

“Part of the mythology that they’ve been teaching you is that you have no power. Power is not brute force and money; power is in your spirit. Power is in your soul. It is what your ancestors, your old people gave you. Power is in the earth; it is in your relationship to the earth.”            – Winona LaDuke

A Message from Chaplain Jami

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In times like these. . .

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I have been deeply troubled and grieved by the events of January 6, 2021 and feel an urgency to process the trauma and chaos that unfolded in our nation’s Capitol. As so many politicians, pastors, journalists, and members of the public have stated, we must keep our focus on the Higher Good: This is a time to claim truth, justice, and honor; it is a time to embrace hope in our democracy; it is a time to heal and turn our attention to caring for ourselves and our friends and family; and it is a time to embrace God’s love and honor God’s creation.

As the Protestant chaplain, I want you to know I am here for you. You may schedule a chat with me via Zoom.

I will also be holding space for grief, processing, and conversation on Monday, January 11th from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. You may come at any time, stay for as little or as long as you like.

Wesleyan Town Hall: Coping in Crisis: A Discussion about Race, Faith, and Mental Health – 10/12

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When: October 12, 2020,Indigenous People’s Day 
 
Town Hall Description:Racial injustice and COVID-19 are exacerbating the mental health crisis in communities of color and on college campuses. This Town Hall webinar brings 4 prominent and outspoken leaders to the Wesleyan community to talk about their life journeys and explore issues about mental health, faith, culture, and brain science, with Wesleyan students, staff, and faculty. We will set this discussion amidst the background of systemic racism, the global pandemic, police brutality, social justice marches, uncertain job market, and struggling economy. 
 
Town Hall Panelists: Former NBA star, Olympic Gold medalist, and non-profit founder Allan Houston, Yale Professor of Psychiatry Nii Addy, Pastor Marichal Monts, leader of the Ebony Singers, and Angie Makomenaw, Mental Health Education and Prevention Coordinator at Wesleyan University. 
 
Moderator: Demetrius Colvin, Director of the Student Resource Center at Wesleyan University.
 
Audience Discussion Leader: Dr. Smith Kidkarndee from CAPS at Wesleyan.
 

Post-Town Hall Breakout Rooms at 7:00 PM:

From 7:00-7:30, we invite the audience to continue discussions and interactions with the panel speakers and moderator in breakout rooms

Room 1: Professor Nii Addy

Room 2: Dr. Angie Makomenaw

Room 3: Rabbi David Teva – Meditation Session*

Room 4: Demetrius Colvin

*The Meditation Session, entitled “From Theory to Practice: Cultivating Wholeness and Well-Being Through Contemplative Mindfulness”, will be led by Rabbi David Teva, with Tyla Taylor ’21 and Jada Reid ’22. Tyla is the Mindfulness Intern on campus; she leads the group Mindful Wes, a student group working to bring conscious awareness to ourselves, our community, and our environment by offering spaces to learn and practice meditation. She also helped start the SOC Healing Space on campus. Jada is a Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality intern at the Resource Center. She founded and leads the SOC Healing Space, which focuses on creating a community for students of color to explore journaling and meditation practices.

Thank you in advance for your interest and participation.

Salud,

Fitzroy ‘Pablo’ Wickham

Head Resident Foss Hill

Senior Class President

Wesleyan c/o ’21

Town Hall Coping in a Crisis

Drop-In FGLI Support Space

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CAPS, in collaboration with The RC Socioeconomic Status and Disability Interns, is happy to offer a FGLI Drop-In Support Space!  This drop in support space was created to provide FGLI students with a space to seek support and voice whatever is on your mind.  Come connect with fellow FGLI students who can possibly relate and CAPS staff who will host the space and provide their support as well.

FGLI students are welcome to access the drop in space regardless the location, that includes remote students!

The FGLI Support Space meets 4:00-5:00pm on Fridays and is on a come-and-go as you please basis. We want students to feel comfortable coming in late or leaving early, CAPS is here for you and the FGLI community.

Recurring zoom link:

https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/97793677603?pwd=dTNVOSt3SUtXVlBESE8wRFZkQUxGZz09

Meeting ID: 977 9367 7603

Passcode: 437006

Flyer for FGLI Drop-In Hours

Pre-Arrival Checklist – Fall 2020

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The following is repost of the message sent by VP Whaley on 8/15/20.

Dear students,

We are looking forward to welcoming you back to campus.  As you know, your arrival to campus this year will be quite different than usual. In addition to packing your bags (which we’d advise keeping light), please remember to complete the following steps:

Pre-Arrival 

  • Self-quarantine during the two weeks leading up to your arrival on campus. (You should already be doing this!)
  • Complete your COVID-19 test within 72 hours of returning to campus, if possible, and upload a negative test result to the CoVerified app (more on that in a moment). If your test comes back positive, if you have symptoms, or if you have a known COVID exposure, please stay home until medically cleared.
  • Read and acknowledge the student Code of Conduct in your WesPortal. (This must be done in order to pick up the key to your campus residence). This document clearly states expectations for student conduct, and non-compliance will result in a student being immediately asked to leave campus in order to protect the health and safety of others.
  • Read and consent to participate in COVID-19 testing on campus via your WesPortal as a condition of returning to campus for the fall semester.
  • Download the CoVerified app. (You will receive an email prompting you to do so). Wesleyan will use this app to manage scheduling of COVID testing appointments on campus, deliver test results, facilitate reporting of symptoms, and enable contact tracing when cases arise.
  • Update your personal contact information and emergency contact information in WesPortal. We need to be sure that the mobile number we have on file is correct.
  • Be sure to pack your thermometer and fever-reducing medications to monitor your temperature or in case you become ill.
  • Bring your Wes ID. If you have lost your ID, email wescard@wesleyan.edu to request a reprint. The WesCard Office will have your replacement ID available with your residence keys upon your arrival.


Arrival on Campus

  • Plan to arrive on campus on your assigned day and time. We are staggering arrival days in order to minimize crowds and allow for appropriate physical distancing. Only students may enter residences during move-in.
  • Visit the COVID-19 testing site (in a tent near Fayerweather) before proceeding to your assigned residence. Every student must be tested the day they arrive on campus and again a few days later.
  • Pick up your keys from ResLife at your assigned key distribution site and move into your residence.


Arrival Quarantine Specifics

  • Wesleyan must observe a state-mandated, campus-wide quarantine between August 24 and September 7. During this period, students may only leave their residences for these purposes:
    • To pick up meals from conveniently-located sites near residences.
    • To visit the COVID testing tent.
    • To retrieve mail/packages at WesStation.
    • To go for a walk/jog (solo or with others in your family unit) outside on campus property.
    • To do laundry on campus.
    • To sit outside your residence for class.
  • Once a student receives two negative on-campus test results, students living in residence halls will be able to interact with others living on their residence hall floor or with similar-sized groups of neighbors, as designated by the Office of Residential Life, for the remainder of the quarantine period.
  • If you are coming from an affected state or from outside of the U.S. and arrive on campus after August 24, you must remain in campus quarantine for a full 14 days.
  • The first week of classes will take place virtually due to the campus-wide quarantine. Faculty members are aware that some students may need to quarantine longer, and are prepared to accommodate them.
  • The drop/add period has been extended to run from August 24 to September 11. Details are available here.

For additional information on preparing for arrival, please visit this webpage. With any additional questions, you may call (888) 675-2011 between noon and 4 p.m. EDT, or email Covid-19Info@wesleyan.edu.

 

Wishing you safe travels!

Dean Mike Whaley, Vice President for Student Affairs