
Keep Waynesburg Well
A plan to return to campus amid the evolving era of COVID-19
See our "Keep Waynesburg Well" Pledge-
December 22, 2020, 12:10 p.m. (testing policy and campus travel guidelines; letter from the President)
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December 8, 2020, 4:40 p.m. (confirmed case information)
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December 4, 2020, 1:20 p.m. (confirmed case information)
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December 4, 2020, 9:30 a.m. (Letter from the President, spring plans coming soon notice)
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November 30, 2020, 4 p.m. (student travel policy)
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November 27, 2020, 8 p.m. (confirmed cases)
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November 24, 2020, 1:30 p.m. (employee travel policy)
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November 20, 2020, 5:15 p.m. (confirmed case information)
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November 17, 2020, 12:15 p.m. (close contact language)
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November 13, 2020, 5 p.m. (confirmed case information)
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November 6, 2020, 11:40 a.m. (confirmed case information)
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October 30, 2020, 3:30 p.m. (confirmed case information)
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October 30, 2020, 2:15 p.m. (confirmed case information)
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October 23, 2020, 2:30 p.m. (confirmed case reporting information)
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October 6, 2020, 11:30 a.m. (letter from the President)
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September 9, 2020, 9:40 a.m. (Travel Policy)
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September 4, 2020, 12 p.m. (letter from the President)
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September 3, 2020, at 12 p.m. (student policies section)
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August 31, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. (mask section)
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August 21, 2020, at 1:45 p.m. (addition: a letter from the President)
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August 17, 2020, at 12:35 p.m. (Tracing and Tracking)
- August 14, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. (sections pertaining to masks, self-assessment screening tool and calendar alterations)
- August 10, 2020, at 10:27 a.m. (mask language)
- July 31, 2020, at 2:20 p.m. (FAQs)
- July 24, 2020, at 4:25 p.m. (athletics information)
- July 23, 2020, at 3 p.m. (additions: resource articles, FAQs, myConnect confirmed case information)
- July 10, 2020, at 4:10 p.m. (Keep Waynesburg Well Plan)
- June 18, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. (addition: a June 8 letter from the President)
- June 11, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. (Updated FAQs)
- May 29, 2020, at 12:20 p.m. (Updated FAQs)
- May 13, 2020, at 9:40 a.m. (Updated FAQs)
- May 11, 2020, at 3:50 p.m. (Updated FAQs)
- May 8, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. (addition: a letter from the President)
- April 27, 2020, at 11:10 a.m. (addition: a letter from the President)
- April 22, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. (Updated FAQs)
- April 17, 2020, at 2:45 p.m. (Updated FAQs)
- April 16, 2020, at 3:10 p.m. (Updated FAQs)
- April 8, 2020, at 2:04 p.m. (Updated FAQs)
- March 30, 2020, at 3:50 p.m. (edited to add a letter from the President; updates to policies; campus restrictions; and updates to FAQs)
- March 21, 2020, at 10:50 a.m. (addition: a letter from the President)
- March 18, 2020, at 5:15 p.m. (addition: a letter from the President to the Class of 2020 regarding commencement)
- March 17, 2020, at 7:50 p.m. (addition: bookstore and book rental information to FAQ section)
- March 16, 2020, at 3:40 p.m. (edited to add a letter from the President; updates to policies; campus restrictions; and updates to FAQs)
- March 16, 2020, at 10:19 a.m. (addition: All students are required to submit a form designating whether they are staying or leaving campus. See below for links.)
- March 13, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. (edited to add canceled events)
- March 13, 2020, at 12:56 p.m. (edited to add a letter from the President; Interim Changes to Academics, Housing and Events; contact information)
- Originally published: March 4, 2020, at 12:20 p.m.
Spring 2021 COVID-19 Testing Protocols
Waynesburg University has implemented an expanded testing policy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus in the spring 2021 semester as part of the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendations and in addition to existing diagnostic testing strategies, students and employees will be expected to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before they may access campus property in January.

Waynesburg University will resume in-person instruction on January 18, with remote classes being held January 14-15.
Working together, Waynesburg University has developed a comprehensive, practical, and adaptable health and safety plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that offers students the best possible learning experiences afforded at a Christian liberal arts institution, while at the same time protecting the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff and the surrounding Waynesburg community.
Safeguarding Waynesburg University and the surrounding community
The Keep Waynesburg Well Health and Safety Plan is our comprehensive and flexible plan to protect the safety of the Waynesburg University campus community and the surrounding community by addressing strategies to mitigate the risk of the spread of COVID-19.
Waynesburg University's plan is nimble and flexible enough to adapt to the changing demands once all students and employees return to campus; therefore, changes to the plan, personnel assignments, risk management measures, and in-person instructional accommodations will be implemented in the best interest of the University and student safety as deemed necessary by the University's Emergency Response Team and/or required by public health officials.
Waynesburg University takes its obligation to lessen the spread of COVID-19 very seriously and needs the commitment of all members of the campus community. To that end, the University reserves the right to remove any individual from campus and/or suspend them from the University or terminate their employment if there is a failure to comply with the provisions of this plan.
We're in this together
Waynesburg University cannot guarantee an environment free of COVID-19 risks, and the strategies addressed in the University's plan recognize that reality. While much has gone into this effort to protect the WU community, we trust that each member of the WU campus community will ultimately accept responsibility for their own health and safety and act in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration for those around them.

Hygiene, sanitation and masks on campus
Waynesburg University follows the public health experts’ guidance which is to continue to emphasize the importance of personal hygiene, cleaning protocols, masks, and personal protective materials (when warranted) as a way to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Two reusable masks and two pairs of gloves will be provided to every student and employee for their personal use. Additional gloves, perishable supplies, cleaning materials, disinfectants and necessary PPE will be made available as needed for the entire campus community to ensure the safest environment possible for all on campus.
The University has also designated a COVID Health & Safety Officer who is in charge of carrying out the University’s COVID-19 safety procedures. Please direct questions about this plan and its implementation or concerns related to individuals failing to follow this plan to the COVID Health and Safety Officer.

Self-Assessment Screening Tool / Testing / Tracing and Tracking Protocol
Waynesburg University will remain diligent regarding the presence of COVID-19 within the campus community. To that end, the University will continue to monitor the spread of the virus through a combination of testing (entry, assurance, surveillance, and diagnostic) and by requiring students, faculty, staff, and visitors to assess their health status on a daily basis, report symptoms or exposures by submitting a screening form, and quarantine when necessary. The University reserves the right to deny any student, faculty, staff, or visitor the right to access the campus if they fail to follow the testing protocols or do not submit a questionnaire.
Waynesburg University has implemented an expanded testing policy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus in the spring 2021 semester as part of the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan. The addition of entry, assurance, and surveillance testing is part of a multi-faceted approach that supplements the fall 2020 health and safety plan for both students and employees. These new policies and recommendations for the spring are commensurate with new guidance issued by the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Testing policy for spring 2021
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendations and in addition to existing diagnostic testing strategies, students and employees will be expected to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before they may access campus property in January. This testing policy attempts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus by detecting the presence of the virus in asymptomatic students and employees before they access campus and interact with members of the campus community. Learn more about Waynesburg University’s testing protocols and campus travel guidelines
SELF-ASSESSMENT SCREENING TOOL

Waynesburg has implemented a best-practice app-based self-assessment screening tool available for mobile devices. We intend that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors will use this screening tool as the base-line screening and on-going assessment to determine the following: level of risk and possible exposure; if further temperature taking, testing, or self-isolation may be needed; and if limited access to buildings, activities, work, classes, and events is warranted. If any student, faculty, staff member, or visitor exhibits symptoms, the University reserves the right to prohibit him or her from entering campus or to limit access to buildings, activities, work, class, and events until cleared to do so by a physician as set forth below.
All students, faculty, staff and visitors should conduct daily screening via the Apple COVID-19 app or on any web browser via Google’s COVID-19 self-assessment form. If the daily screening form helps you identify that you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed, you should then also fill out Waynesburg University’s Screening Machform at Waynesburg.edu/screening. View screening process

Social Distancing Interventions and Modifications to Physical Spaces
Social distancing means taking all efforts to de-densify groups, gatherings, crowds, etc. Close contact includes two or more people gathering 6 feet or less with or without masks for a cumulative total of 10-15 minutes or more.
includes two or more people gathering in close proximity (within 6 feet) with or without masks for more than 10 minutes of sustained engagement (talking, eating, drinking, etc.).
Social distancing also involves limiting any crowd size to no more than 250 people or not to exceed 50% of that venue’s capacity, whichever is the lesser. Social distancing generally does not apply to members of one’s own family or domicile unless someone in that group is COVID-19 positive, so this exception would apply to paired students rooming together in dorms or apartments.
Waynesburg University worked with VEBH Architects to de-densify academic, non-academic, and residential spaces and to develop new protocols for ingress, egress, movement through buildings, and to limit congestion in common areas, such as foyers, stairwells, and hallways. The University is also assessing ways to provide sufficient and effective ventilation to physical spaces by supplementing general ventilation where possible, supplying clean outdoor air by opening doors and windows, and minimizing the re-circulation of air.
Faculty, staff and students shall be required to comply with social distancing protocols and maintain social distancing at all times in public areas on campus. The University reserves the right to remove from campus anyone who fails or refuses to comply with social distancing protocols.

Adjustments to Academic, Personnel and Residence Life Policies and Processes
Waynesburg University's policies pertaining to academics, personnel and residence life have been assessed and adjusted accordingly to be in compliance with CDC best practices and recommendations by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The University has established criteria for assessing vulnerable populations and a process for accommodating vulnerable individuals.

Modifications to Calendars and Course Delivery Options
Waynesburg University has implemented necessary modifications to courses, schedules and academic calendars in order to adapt to changing transmission levels.

Policies related to Visitors, Contractors, Vendors, etc.
Waynesburg University is mindful of the important connection the University has within the Waynesburg community as well as all of the visitors, guests, contractors and outside entities that do business with the University.
Vendor contracts have been reviewed and/or renewed during this COVID-19 era to ensure preexisting practices are safe under current health and safety mandates.
WU Resources
Health Services
Waynesburg University’s fully staffed Health Services department is a vital piece to the success of the University’s strategy to keep students safe during the COVID-19 pandemic on campus. Health Services will interface directly with Washington Health System professionals who will provide the aforementioned services beyond the capabilities of this department such as ‘COVID testing’, physician consultation, referrals, prescriptions and hospital admissions, critical care, and reporting of statistics. Waynesburg’s Health Services will operate according to all of the recommended best-practices from the CDC for COVID-19 prevention, care, testing, and treatment of any student.
The Counseling Center
Waynesburg University’s Counseling Center is fully staffed with professional, certified counselors who are crisis trained; familiar with the student, staff and faculty needs; and an integral part of the Transitional Sub-Group which intersects with all other relevant departments such as Public Safety, Student Services, Student Health, etc. Waynesburg’s counseling staff have also modified their availability and services in order to reduce the person-to-person contact and avail their services through a telehealth format to ensure that there are no delays in service.
The Pathways Center
The Pathways Center is an initiative to provide comprehensive student support services including Tutoring, Disability Services, Student Success Services, Career Development, Vocational Exploration, Study Abroad, Student Work Study Program, Library Services, and more. The Pathways Center is located in Eberly Library with collaborative referrals to and work with the Counseling Center, Student Services, Writing Center, Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, Alumni Relations, Athletics, academic programs and others.
Distance Learning
Waynesburg University’s online learning team strengthens the University’s mission of creating exemplary learning opportunities for students. A regional leader in online learning for graduate and professional students, Waynesburg University is well-versed in providing excellence in online programming. As the world navigates through the uncertainty of the coming semester, the University is committed to providing a standard of education that prepares undergraduate and graduate students to learn and grow, and the resources for faculty and staff to help facilitate that growth.
External Resources
FOR Individuals
Waynesburg University is committed to providing resources to the WU community as we navigate the COVID-19 era together.
FOR THE UNIVERSITY
The University has been following guidance issued by federal, state and local agencies. Some of these resources are linked below.
The Path to the Present
The messages below from President Douglas G. Lee share new updates as well as previous ones.
Stay in touch
The University will utilize this webpage as our primary source for information pertaining to guidelines to mitigate risks in light of COVID-19. The University is committed to communicating in a transparent and timely fashion. In addition to this site, email will also be used to note changes and updates to this document. Thank you for your continued flexibility with this ever-evolving situation.
For the latest updates concerning COVID-19, please see the links below.