Keep Waynesburg Well

The strategies listed below are consistent with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines and considerations for resuming in-person instruction and other operations at postsecondary institutions, as well as the guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control.

WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY CONTINUES TO:

1. Expect all members of the University community to accept personal responsibility for protecting themselves and others by practicing safe behaviors and being considerate and respectful of others. 
2. Coordinate with local, regional, state and federal public health officials, as well as outside experts.
3. Safely resume in-person instruction.
4. Monitor health conditions on campus and within the campus community.
5. Mitigate and contain spread of the virus and inform the Department of Health in the event that transmission occurs on campus.
6. Create an environment conducive to healthy, safe and inclusive learning and working.
7. Communicate accurate and timely information to students, faculty, staff, and various other community constituents and partners through a multitude of channels.
8. Develop alternate plans for rapid implementation in the event of a resurgence.

ADDITIONALLY, THE UNIVERSITY CONTINUES TO IMPLEMENT: 

1. Practices related to hygiene, sanitation, and masks on campus;
2. Physical distancing interventions and modifications to physical spaces;
3. Adjustments to academic, personnel and residence life policies and processes; and
4. Modifications to calendars and course delivery options.

Since March 2020, a number of campus-wide teams have been evaluating all aspects of campus life and operations for a return to in-person instruction and on-campus operations, activities, and services. These teams have merged to form the  “Keep Waynesburg Well Team.” The Keep Waynesburg Well Team will continue its work throughout the 21-22 academic year to implement and adjust the Keep Waynesburg Well Health and Safety Plan. With the assistance of external experts providing professional, scientific, medical, legal, architectural, and logistical guidance and resources, this cross-campus team will work through subcommittees to develop specific plans to address the needs of the campus community and will continuously update processes and procedures as necessary to address issues and developments related to COVID-19. 

The University has been guided by federal, state and local agencies, including, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the United States Department of Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, Waynesburg Borough Police, Greene County's Emergency Management Office, Pennsylvania’s Region 13 Critical Infrastructure Specialists, and other governmental and private agencies. 

Additionally, Waynesburg University has been in regular contact with peer institutions, directly and in conjunction with state and national associations of independent colleges and universities, as well as the Presidents' Athletic Conference member institutions.

The University has also collaborated with VEBH Architects, PC, an architectural design firm with over 70 years of experience in healthcare and educational design. VEBH serves businesses and communities throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Waynesburg University has consulted with Greene County’s Emergency Management Office as well as Pennsylvania’s Region 13 Critical Infrastructure Specialists to best align with regional COVID-19 mandates and crisis response expectations. This partnership also provides for potential resourcing and incident management support should a second wave of the pandemic overwhelm existing resources at the University.

Additionally, close coordination with local and state law enforcement (Waynesburg Borough Police and Pennsylvania State Police) has been established to ensure appropriate collaboration on health, safety, and crisis management needs. This includes formalizing the agreement with local EMS transport vehicles for transferring COVID-19 symptomatic patients to the hospital or a health care facility, as well as coordination with plans to move students off-campus into the community as on-campus housing needs are adjusted for 2020-2021 semesters.

Waynesburg University has entered into a formal partnership with the Washington Health System in order to consult with medical and infectious disease experts in our region who can best provide the needed resources to Waynesburg’s students and employees.

This partnership with a regional, professional health management system provides not only expert guidance on Waynesburg’s screening processes and self-assessment tools, but also important guidance and resources with respect to COVID-19 testing, temperature taking, and advanced hospital care for those who require it.

The campus-wide Keep Waynesburg Well 2020-2021 Team has evaluated all aspects of campus life and operations for a return to in-person instruction and on-campus operations, activities, and services. They will continue their work during the summer and throughout the fall and spring to implement and adjust the Keep Waynesburg Well Health and Safety Plan. 

Senior Staff - Mr. Douglas G. Lee, President

• Mrs. Laura Lawrence, Executive Assistant to the President

Academics - Dr. Dana Cook Baer, Provost

• Institutional Effectiveness - Dr. Marie Leichliter-Krause, Assistant Provost
• Registrar - Mrs. Vicki Wilson
• Graduate and Professional Studies - Dr. David Mariner, Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies
• Academic Support Services - Mr. Brian Carr, Director of Pathways Center
• Experiential Placements and Study Abroad, Ms. Sarah Bell, Career Development Specialist and Study Abroad Coordinator
• Faculty
  • Online/Distance Learning - Dr. Evonne Baldauff, Chairperson for the Chemistry & Forensic Science Department  & Associate Professor of Chemistry
  • Laboratory and Applied Instruction - Dr. Brad Davis, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
  • Humanities, English, and Communication - Dr. Chad Sherman, Associate Professor of Communication
  • Fine Arts - Mr. Andy Heisey, Chairperson for the Fine Arts Department & Associate Professor of Art
  • Science, Math, Computer Science, and Physics - Dr. Chad Sethman, Professor of Biology
  • Business, Criminal Justice, and Social Sciences - Dr. Gordon McClung, Chairperson for the Business Administration Department & Professor of Marketing
  • Nursing and Education - Dr. Kathy Stolfer, Chairperson for the Department of Nursing & Professor of Nursing

Finance and Business Office - Mrs. Laura Coss, Chief Financial Officer

• Mrs. Nicole Snyder, Bursar

Information Technology Services - Mr. William Dumire, Vice President for Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer

Enrollment, Financial Aid, and Facilities - Dr. Shari Payne, Vice President for Enrollment

• Mr. Matthew Stokan, Director of Financial Aid
• Mr. Terry Sattler, Director of Facilities Planning & Management
• Mrs. Lesley Davis, Director of Aladdin Food Service

University and Alumni Relations - Mrs. Stacey Brodak, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations

• Website - Mrs. Ashley Wise, Director of University Relations
• Alumni - Mr. David Floyd,  Manager of Development and Alumni Relations

Emergency Operations Planning - Mr. James Tanda, Director of Security Operations & Emergency Management, Instructor of Criminal Justice

• Mr. Lucas Kiger, Assistant Director of Security Operations and Emergency Management
• Mrs. Kelly Wilczynski, Safety Coordinator, Academics & Chemical Hygiene Officer

Human Resources and Employee Safety - Mr. Tom Helmick, Director of Human Resources

Athletics and Recreational Facilities - Mr. Adam Jack, Director of Athletics, Chairperson for the Criminal Justice & Social Sciences Department, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

Student Services - Mrs. Pat Bristor, Interim Dean of Students 

• Housing - Mr. Matthew Pioch, Director of Housing
• Residence Life - Mr. Chris Hardie, Assistant Dean of Student Services
• Service Learning - Mrs. Kelley Hardie, Assistant Dean of Student Services
• Counseling Services - Mrs. Jane Owen, Director of the Educational Enrichment Programs, Clinical Services & the Counseling Center
• Student Health Services - Dr. Sherry Parsons

Campus Ministry and Chapel Services - Mr. Josh Sumpter, Instructor of Biblical & Ministry Studies, University Chaplain

COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer - Mr. Michael Cipoletti, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science

Following CDC requirements, Waynesburg University has designated a COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer who will be in charge of executing policy: 

Michael Cipoletti
mcipolet@waynesburg.edu; (724) 852-3327
COVID Health and Safety Officer
Assistant Professor of Forensic Science

The COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer also will be responsible for overseeing the COVID-19 Tracing Team.

The University reserves the option to assign more than one COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer. 

Individual Safety Officers may be assigned to, and responsible for ensuring compliance with University policies with respect to, specific areas such as: athletics (sports, intramurals), student services (housing and residence life), academics (classes, clinicals and labs), personnel (faculty and staff), facilities, etc.  

The COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer and COVID-19 Tracing Team’s operational functions will include, but not be limited to, adherence to:

1. COVID Tracing requirements pursuant to CDC and PDE guidelines;
2. Maintaining a clear, transparent student-centered and employee-centered process while remaining mindful of their academic needs and work needs. 
3. Investigating faculty, staff and students utilizing the COVID Screening Questionnaire
4. COVID Safety Officer(s’) position description, chain of command, and decision-making guidance with operational and information security in mind
5. Compliance with state and federal privacy laws with regard to the collection, maintenance and destruction of  information of all surveyed, tested, or traced
6. OSHA compliance for employees
7. Any and all COVID safety related messaging, training, and education for faculty and staff such as convocation workshops, on-line training, (similar to mandatory Title IX training)
8. Any and all COVID safety related messaging, training, and education for students such as; orientation, returning students, commuters, (similar to mandatory Title IX training)
9. Collaborate with first and second-line employee supervisors, or Faculty, Advisors, Coaches, Student Services, etc. regarding coordination and execution of this process towards the goals of safety and compliance with as little disruption to the academic learning environment as possible.

According to the CDC, "people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine."

• Returning students will begin returning on August 21 and 22. New students are scheduled to arrive on August 19. Students participating in a sport or program that requires an earlier move-in will receive separate information from coaches, directors, or supervisors about arrival dates. 
• To access campus buildings, including the Southpointe Center, all students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 OR must have provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test AND must have submitted the appropriate documentation. Students are responsible for getting their own vaccines or tests prior to arrival and will not be permitted to access campus without submitting the appropriate documentation.
  • Students who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19:  Submit Student Vaccine Reporting Form by July 22*.
  • Students who will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their arrival date, but are not fully vaccinated by July 22*: Fill out the Student Vaccine Reporting Form and submit Student Vaccine Reporting Form after fully vaccinated. 
  • Students who are not fully vaccinated, have no intention of receiving the vaccine, or will not be fully vaccinated by their arrival date:  Submit Student COVID Testing Result Notification Form showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a test administered within 72 hours of your arrival from a medical treatment center or COVID-19 testing center.
• Student Services will communicate directly with students via email to official University accounts with additional information.

*This deadline was sent to students via an email from Student Services on Tuesday, June 15. 

According to the CDC, "people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine."

• To access campus buildings, including the Southpointe Center, on or after August 16, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 OR must have provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test AND must have submitted the appropriate documentation. Employees are responsible for getting their own vaccines or tests prior to arrival and will not be permitted to access campus without submitting the appropriate documentation.
  • Employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19:  Click here to submit vaccine information 
  • Employees who are not fully vaccinated:  Submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a test administered within 72 hours prior to August 16 from a medical treatment center or COVID-19 testing center. Click here to submit proof of negative test

• Weekly randomized surveillance testing of individuals who are not fully-vaccinated will be part of the University’s on-going health and safety strategy. This additional testing policy is designed to protect against the spread of coronavirus on campus and in the community by earlier detection and intervention.   
• This testing strategy may be used for random samples or percentages of other groups, such as students participating in athletics, external placements (clinical, education, internships, and service), off-campus events and activities, as necessary to reduce the spread of the virus on campus and in the community. Coaches, program directors, organization advisors, and department/division supervisors will communicate directly with students participating in activities.  Please refer to the FAQs for more detailed information and updates.

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.

STUDENTS

• HOUSING AND INSTRUCTIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS: Students with a documented medical need for housing accommodations or exemptions can apply for accommodations or an exemption through the Accommodations and Disabilities Office in the Pathways Center. The University will engage in an interactive process to determine if a housing accommodation or exemption is appropriate. Students who seek an instructional accommodation in the form of remote learning shall also submit their request to the Accommodations and Disabilities Office in the Pathways Center. The University will engage in an interactive process to determine if an instructional accommodation is appropriate under the circumstances. 
• STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT: The Student Code of Conduct will be revised prior to August 1 to reflect the updated guidance in this plan.  Please refer to FAQs for more detailed information and updates.
• HOUSING:  Traditional dormitory and housing considerations have been modified in the interest of minimizing the potential for exposure and the spread of COVID-19 among students. All triple and quad type communal housing will be reduced to double occupancy in campus dormitories. Off-campus housing policies are being modified to provide students with a range of housing options toward the best interest of both the student experience and stopping the COVID spread. Other housing and residence life temporary policy changes are being implemented to safely accommodate the needs of students and staff during the COVID-19 era.
• MOVE IN:  Students will move onto campus in phases. Move in will be extended over a longer period of time to respect distancing, hygiene, space, and PPE protocols in order to reduce density and crowd sizes per CDC guidance. This phased-in approach is recommended by CDC, PDE and DOH in order to reduce density and crowd sizes. It is also consistent with peer institutions for higher education. Specific details regarding move-in dates will be communicated to students directly via email. 
• ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, AND TRAVEL:  On-campus activities and events will be hosted using a combination of pre-pandemic protocols and the guidelines and protocols in this plan, including practices related to hygiene, sanitation, enhanced ventilation, masking, appropriate physical distancing, accommodations, etc.  Students will be permitted to participate in off-campus activities and travel, and will be expected to adhere to the guidelines in this plan, as well as industry, venue, and government restrictions and requirements, such as vaccine mandates, masking, and quarantine or testing upon arrival. Coaches, program directors, organization advisors, and department/division supervisors will communicate directly with students participating in activities.  Please refer to the FAQs for more detailed information and updates.

Personnel

• WORK ACCOMMODATIONS: Human Resources will coordinate with supervisors and work with faculty and staff on appropriate workplace accommodations. Employees who may need an accommodation should contact the Human Resources Office.
• ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, AND TRAVEL: On-campus activities and events will be hosted using a combination of pre-pandemic protocols and the guidelines and protocols in this plan, including practices related to hygiene, sanitation, enhanced ventilation, masking, appropriate physical distancing, accommodations, etc.  Division supervisors will coordinate guidelines for off-campus activities, events, and travel guidelines with employees based on the needs in their own divisions consistent with the guidelines in this plan.  Employees will be expected to adhere to the guidelines in this plan, as well as industry, venue, and government restrictions and requirements, such as vaccine mandates, masking, and quarantine or testing upon arrival.  Please refer to the FAQs for more detailed information and updates.

 The academic calendar, mode of instruction, course location and assigned faculty are subject to change.

FALL 2021 CALENDAR ALTERATIONS

Although modified, the fall 2021 academic calendar maintains 15 weeks of instruction, as originally scheduled. In creating this schedule for the fall semester, safety was a paramount consideration. The academic calendar for Graduate and Professional Studies remains unchanged.

View the 2021 fall calendar

COURSE DELIVERY OPTIONS

The majority of courses will be delivered through in-person instruction in classrooms reconfigured to ensure appropriate physical distancing and with materials for sanitizing and disinfecting physical surfaces and high-touch common areas. Please note that when the University deems it appropriate, courses may be changed or offered 100% remote or in a hybrid format, with part of the class delivered in person and part of the course delivered remotely. If a change in course format occurs, the tuition and fees associated with such course shall remain unchanged.

Waynesburg University has established a trained team of faculty and staff members that will operate under the guidance of the COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer as a Tracing Team to assist with the COVID-19 tracing requirements pursuant to CDC guidelines. See above for more information on the COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer. Timely and appropriate notifications will be made to any person in close contact to a confirmed case based on tracing protocols.

Should someone on campus become infected they will be required to quarantine as directed by Student Health Services or the Human Resource Office.  In addition, the University has tracing and tracking protocols in place to contain and minimize the impact on the campus community and surrounding community. The Tracing Team will implement an established internal mechanism to rapidly, actively, and accurately trace and track the contacts of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 through a combination of interviews and technology. 

Following PDE and CDC guidance and in addition to implementing its tracing and tracking protocol, Waynesburg University will notify and work with appropriate health officials, determine if a temporary suspension of in-person instruction is warranted, clean and disinfect all areas thoroughly, communicate case or exposure information with students, faculty, and staff, and ensure continuity of education and safe housing for all affected students.

Additionally, this same guidance requires the University to make confirmed case information readily available to the campus community. Confirmed case reporting is accessible to students, faculty and staff on this web page. 

Should a positive transmission be identified on campus, Waynesburg has designated specific, separate housing which will serve for isolation purposes. These buildings allow for multiple students or staff to be self-isolated with immediate availability to on-campus care by health, counseling, student services, and public safety officials.

CUMULATIVE CONFIRMED CASES FROM AUG. 9 TO DEC. 5: 63

The chart lists reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students, faculty and staff at all locations, while students were on campus, from Sunday, Aug. 9 through Saturday, Dec. 5.

• Students: includes reported confirmed cases of all students, including full-time and part-time, with access to campus within 14 days
• Personnel: includes reported confirmed cases of all employees, including full-time and part-time, with access to campus within 14 days
• Remote: includes reported confirmed cases of students and personnel with no access to campus within 14 days 

CUMULATIVE CONFIRMED CASES ON CAMPUS from jan. 11 to May 11: 83

The chart lists reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus among students, faculty and staff at all locations, while students were on campus from Monday, Jan. 11, to May 11.

• Students: includes reported confirmed cases of all students, including full-time and part-time, with access to campus within 14 days
• Personnel: includes reported confirmed cases of all employees, including full-time and part-time, with access to campus within 14 days
• Remote: includes reported confirmed cases of students and personnel with no access to campus within 14 days

Updated weekly while students are on campus. Last updated 12/3/21.

CUMULATIVE CONFIRMED CASES ON CAMPUS SINCE August 8, 2021: 104

The chart lists reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus among students, faculty and staff at all locations, since students began returning to campus Sunday, Aug. 8.

• Students: includes reported confirmed cases of all students, including full-time and part-time, with access to campus within 14 days
• Personnel: includes reported confirmed cases of all employees, including full-time and part-time, with access to campus within 14 days
• Remote: includes reported confirmed cases of students and personnel with no access to campus within 14 days

Dear Waynesburg University Community,

The Keep Waynesburg Well Team sub-groups have been monitoring COVID-related data in the region and internationally, as well as recommendations from the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Education. According to the CDC, the Delta variant is more infectious and is leading to increased transmissibility when compared to other variants, even in vaccinated individuals.

Waynesburg University continues to implement practices related to hygiene, sanitation, enhanced ventilation, appropriate physical distancing, accommodations, health screening, reporting, and contact tracing and tracking, as part of the KWW Fall 2021 Plan. However, based on information received from the sources above, it is in the best interest of the WU campus community and our surrounding community to implement certain masking policies during this time.

Effective today, regardless of vaccination status, all individuals are expected to wear masks when indoors and with another person, who is not their own roommate or housemate. Individuals do not need to wear a mask when alone in indoor spaces, such as residence hall rooms or offices. In addition, regardless of vaccination status, individuals are encouraged to wear masks when outdoors in large groups and in densely populated outdoor spaces.

Equally important, regardless of vaccination status, all persons accessing campus are expected to continue monitoring their health on a daily basis and to report symptoms, exposures, and positive tests via the Screening Form to protect themselves and others.

As we move into the new academic year, we have been able to re-implement many of the social activities that were suspended because of COVID-19 and the state and federal mandates last year. Following our current plan  gives us the opportunity to continue creating an atmosphere that is as safe and normal as possible for our students, faculty and staff. 

Please know that the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan will remain flexible as we continually monitor and re-evaluate.

Our hope is to return to the original plan for fall 2021 as soon as possible.

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Waynesburg University Students,

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying a happy and healthy summer. I am looking forward to the beginning of a new academic year, which I anticipate will be full of energy, opportunity and growth.

We have been busy preparing for your return, and I am writing to share with you that we have released our Fall 2021 Keep Waynesburg Well guidelines. In summary:

• As previously noted, Waynesburg University is not mandating vaccines for students, faculty members, staff, visitors, and vendors accessing campus for the 2021-2022 academic year.
• To access campus buildings, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 OR must have provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test AND must have submitted the appropriate documentation. Students are responsible for getting their own vaccines or tests prior to arrival and will not be permitted to access campus without submitting the appropriate documentation.
• Weekly randomized surveillance testing of individuals who are not fully-vaccinated will be part of the University’s on-going health and safety strategy. This additional testing policy is designed to protect against the spread of coronavirus on campus and in the community by earlier detection and intervention.  

Please review the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan carefully, as it contains additional pertinent information on:

• Masks and Physical Distancing
• Activities and Events
• Travel

In closing, let’s approach the beginning of this semester with the same cooperation and care for each other that was so clearly displayed during last the year academic year.  You are all a part of a very special campus community. 

We look forward to greeting each of you soon! 

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Waynesburg University Students, 

Next week is the beginning of the ninth week of classes for the spring semester. We are well past the midway point of the semester. As of this morning, there are three active cases of COVID-19 among faculty, staff and students at our University. Each case is significant and concerning and emphasizes the need to continue to implement the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan with the same degree of vigor, maturity, and compassion as you have to this point. We are moving in the right direction, but we must continue our vigilance and not allow a careless outbreak on our campus to negate all of the progress that you have worked so hard to achieve.

We are carefully and deliberately beginning to implement changes that move us toward some normalization of activities. Subject to certain guidelines, limited University spectators are permitted at University athletic events, and we are also implementing processes to permit campus-related organizations to resume “in-person” meetings. The opportunity for in-person chapel attendance continues, and we are carefully exploring other ways to bring things more in line with pre-pandemic activities.

Please continue to do your part to press on to a successful conclusion of this semester. It has been a long and challenging journey. Mrs. Lee and I pray that all of you continue to stay strong in your faith and keep each other in your prayers.

May the familiar words of Isaiah 40:31 encourage us: But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

God Bless and sustain each of you.

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Waynesburg University Students,

Today marks the end of the fifth week of classes and is an appropriate time to reflect on how our Waynesburg University community has collectively worked very hard to get us to this point. Walking around campus and talking  to many of you, it is clear that the effort was well worth it.

Everyone involved has done a remarkable job of following our “Keep Waynesburg Well Plan.” Each one of us is a critical link in the success of the plan and, as we move forward in the weeks ahead, we must maintain the same level of perseverance to see that it continues to a successful conclusion. 

Vaccinations are being administered nationwide, and the country is beginning to experience a decline in the number of cases. While that is all very encouraging news, we cannot let that encouragement allow us to relax or take for granted our collective obligation to secure the success of our in-person semester. 

We must all continue to act in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration for those around us. Together, we must assess our health daily, report symptoms and exposures promptly, wear our masks properly, maintain our social distance appropriately, and wash our hands frequently.

This continued cooperation is a critical component of remaining on campus for in-person classes through the spring 2021 term. We know from experience that taking these precautions can lead us to the completion of a safe and successful in-person semester, which is our goal as we move forward to May. 

I also know that while all of you have exemplified exceptional leadership and compassion in this moment, it is also a time that can be fatiguing, frustrating and stressful. If you need to talk with someone who can help you navigate this semester and any stress you may be feeling, I encourage you to contact our Counseling Center. We have an exceptional staff that is doing a tremendous job. They care deeply for each one of you. They are there to help. 

One of the ways that I have personally dealt with the stress and fatigue of this moment is to be consistently encouraged by the spirit of this remarkable community. We have all heard so many inspiring stories of the way our students, faculty and staff have met the challenges of this pandemic – in the extraordinary way that Waynesburg University people do. Just recently, our Department of Nursing developed a plan to help staff Washington Health System’s vaccination sites in order to help alleviate the demand for qualified health professionals. As our nursing students and faculty engage with Washington Health System to administer vaccinations in Greene and Washington counties, we can all be proud of their role in supporting the international effort to mitigate COVID-19.

Finally, as we continue to move forward through the semester, I wanted to share a few more important updates with you: 

Vaccinations

Vaccinations will not be mandated for students or personnel; however, the University is committed to providing opportunities for vaccinations through Washington Health System to those who qualify in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s distribution guidelines. We are making every effort to determine who qualifies as “education workers” under Phase 1B and will provide an update when we have more information. Students and employees are also encouraged to work with their primary care physicians to learn more or to schedule their vaccination. 

Commencement 

The Commencement Committee is working on a schedule for Commencement weekend, tentatively planned for Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2. The weekend will include multiple ceremonies and a baccalaureate service. Details, including event times, will take longer to finalize as state and federal guidelines regarding events, such as crowd size limitations, continue to evolve in response to changing conditions throughout the spring semester.

Fall 2021

The Fall 2021 Academic Calendar is now available online. It does not deviate substantially from the original calendar that was published in the Academic Catalog. At this point, we do not expect the health and safety guidance for the fall semester to vary much from the current semester; however, as always, we will continue to assess and adjust accordingly.

I encourage you to continue to monitor the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan and your University email accounts for important updates.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and for all that you are doing to help keep our campus safe. Please continue to pray for one another and for the Grace and Truth of Jesus Christ to be ever present in each of us and in the mission of Waynesburg University. God bless and sustain each one of you! 

Sincerely, 

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Waynesburg University Students,

I hope all of you and your families are enjoying a healthy and safe holiday break. In this season of hope, let us continue to pray for our families, friends and each member of this University community.  

Today I am writing to provide, as soon as possible, the plans for our spring semester. 

Since my last email to you, the University’s Health and Safety Team has been working hard to develop a plan for us to return to in-person classes in the spring. We are seeing progress being made in the vaccines against this illness and both the state and federal government continue to issue a new recommendations that require us to continue to adjust our return-to-campus plans for the spring semester. Hopefully, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the spring semester does present new and different challenges than we faced at the beginning of the fall semester.

Through the fall semester, we were successful with the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan because of all of you. We were able to achieve our goal of containing the spread of COVID-19 on campus and offering in-person instruction all semester, because you embraced the Keep Waynesburg Well Pledge; you accepted the responsibility to make decisions based on the best interest of others – friends, grandparents, teachers, coaches, mothers and fathers, housekeepers, and brothers and sisters. Together, we assessed our health, reported symptoms and exposures promptly, donned masks, maintained our social distance, cleaned desks, and washed our hands. 

In the fall, in accordance with guidance issued at that time by the CDC and our external healthcare partners, we did not test all students and employees returning to campus. Instead, we were able to reduce the spread of the coronavirus by identifying cases diagnostically and quickly isolating individuals from interacting with the campus community. That plan worked for us. Sixty-three total positive cases were reported between August 9 and December 5, with eight of those being remote (reported confirmed cases of students and personnel with no access to campus within 14 days). This total number represents approximately 4 percent of Waynesburg’s student population, which was at or below most other peer schools, and far below the positivity rate in our region. In addition, information that we collected via contact tracing revealed that the vast majority of infections originated off campus. 

But the conditions leading up to the return for the spring semester are different. We are seeing the reports of increased cases across the nation and additional potential exposures related to anticipated holiday gatherings. In order for us to have a successful spring semester, we will need to be even more vigilant about assessing our health, reporting promptly, wearing masks, maintaining social distance, cleaning desks, and washing our hands. In addition, each and every one of us must take ownership of a new and vital strategy that requires getting tested before we access campus and reducing our movements on and off campus, as much as possible.

Our need for this new universal testing strategy reflects an assessment of data collected from the fall semester, a need to address the increased number of COVID-19 positive cases nationally, regionally, and locally, as well as our continued and critical need to identify and isolate as many COVID-19 positive individuals as possible before they interact with the campus community. Our success for the spring semester relies on your continued diligence in accepting responsibility for your own health and safety and acting in a manner that demonstrates respect, care, and compassion for those around you.

WU’s testing policy for the spring semester

To insure that you will be able to attend classes in person and avoid the need to quarantine on campus, we ask that you make every effort to quarantine and get tested prior to returning to campus. Please note that making arrangements to be tested will require you to plan in advance of your travel.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendations, students and employees will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before they are permitted to access campus property, including residence halls and University-owned houses. The date of the test must be within seven days prior to your campus access.

To avoid the risk of infection after taking the return to campus COVID-19 test, all students should also quarantine for at least seven days prior to returning to campus.

Out-of-state students will need to follow the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s travel guidelines, which reduces the window for testing to 72 hours prior to entry. Although we urge you to make every effort to be tested before you travel into Pennsylvania, the University will provide on-campus testing, if you cannot get tested within this timeframe. 

Student Services, in conjunction with Student Health Services and Athletic Training, will coordinate the on-campus testing and verification process with guidance from Washington Health System. 

The University will attempt to accommodate students who have made travel arrangements as much as possible. 

If you are unable to be tested before you return to campus, you must notify Student Services at studentservices@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3206, and the University will provide testing upon your return to campus. Also, please remember to report to Student Health Services at StudentHealthServices@waynesburg.edu if you are confirmed positive with COVID-19 at any time during the holiday break. 

 If you test positive upon your return to campus, you be required to quarantine on campus in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan (7-10 days) or you may opt to return home.  

Learn more about Waynesburg University’s testing protocols and campus travel guidelines.

Observing the Holiday Break

Waynesburg University administrative offices are closed for Christmas between Thursday, December 24, and Monday, January 4. Please email any questions regarding the health and safety plan or the new testing strategy to keepwaynesburgwell@waynesburg.edu. This account will be monitored until December 23 at 4 p.m. and again beginning January 4 at 8:30 a.m.; it will be monitored intermittently throughout the holiday break. 

Starting Spring 2021 Classes

Classes will be held remotely Thursday, Jan. 14, and Friday, Jan. 15. In-person instruction will resume on Monday, Jan. 18. Faculty members will reach out directly with more details, so please continue to monitor your University email account. We are continuing to monitor conditions and will make adjustments to the academic calendar if necessary. We’ll communicate as quickly as possible, if we have to adjust our in-person start date and will make every effort to ease inconveniences to those with travel plans already in place.

As the progress against COVID-19 continues, we also continue to monitor the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s phased approach to the COVID-19 vaccination. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan.

Please know that I sincerely appreciate every effort you have made to help keep our campus safe as well as those additional steps you will take as we approach the spring semester.

Mrs. Lee and I wish all of you a healthy, peaceful and restful Christmas break.

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Waynesburg University Students,

As each of us takes a moment to reflect on the conclusion of the fall semester, we should have a sense of pride for the way our Waynesburg University Community persevered through the fall term. Collectively following our health and safety plan, we achieved a successful conclusion of our in-person fall semester, with comparatively low infection rates. That is the best evidence that so many of you took to heart the Keep Waynesburg Well Pledge and focused on acting in a manner that demonstrated respect and consideration for those around you. 

Thank you for that.

Looking ahead to the beginning of the spring semester in January, you should know that our plans are being developed with the same rigorous information gathering and analysis that we brought to bear for the fall semester plans. This includes information and opinions from federal, state and local agencies, experts from the medical field and other disciplines. We also continue to remain in regular communication with other institutions of higher learning, exchanging information and strategies, including developments related to vaccinations in the plans and policies that we are formulating.  

The policies for the spring may, in some cases, necessarily be different from the fall semester because the spring scenario presents different challenges than the fall. When all of you arrived on campus in August, there were lower infection rates among the general population and many states were moving from comprehensive stay-at-home orders to orders easing of those restrictions.

With the advent of colder weather, people staying indoors and the rising infection rates, the situation is different. The directives from federal and state agencies are changing to meet this different situation, and, in a similar manner, we have had to change our policies to meet these changes. 

These modified policies, which are consistent with those issued by other institutions of higher education, may impact your travel plans, so I encourage you to consider waiting for this additional information prior to making those arrangements, if possible. We will, of course, make every effort to accommodate students who have made travel arrangements already. Please continue to regularly monitor your University email account and our website over winter break for important updates and more details for the spring, which we will be providing in the next two to three weeks. Our plans, however, will remain flexible due to the evolving nature of the pandemic and the guidance provided by the state and federal agencies we are following.  

You will soon be receiving additional details about our plans for the spring semester, but in order to make everyone’s return to campus as safe as possible, it is important for you to know that our testing strategy will be appropriately comprehensive and robust as we enter the spring semester. Our new testing policy is being developed pursuant to rapidly changing recommendations issued by the Department of Health (DOH), the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent and reduce COVID-19 transmission.

Upon return to campus in the spring, the consequences of non-compliance could include fines, loss of privileges and/or other sanctions. In addition to this testing policy, the PDE now requires institutions of higher education to “reinforce practices related to hygiene, sanitation, and face coverings on campus.” In order for us to comply with this new standard, it has become necessary to increase certain enforcement aspects of the health and safety guidelines outlined in the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan.

We realize that, as was the case in the fall semester, all of you will make every effort to follow these new requirements, knowing that they represent the best effort to provide a safe environment for all of us to live, learn and work, and an opportunity to exemplify our care for others through our actions.

It is also important to consider that this spring semester could represent the possibility of significant and positive developments in the national and global response to this pandemic. We are hopeful that we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and each of us should be encouraged and motivated to do our best to help that occur.  

If you have questions, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions or reach to a member of the Keep Waynesburg Well Team.

Let me conclude by saying once again that I am so very proud of what we accomplished together in the fall. I have received many compliments from faculty, staff, alumni and friends of this institution regarding their observations of all of you. Your actions have indeed shaped in many people’s minds a new image of your generation. A generation that is capable, adaptable, compassionate, thoughtful and intelligent. Combined with your faith in God, you have already demonstrated qualities that can bring about great things in the future. Be encouraged by that, but temper that encouragement with humility and resolution.

I look forward to seeing all of you again in the spring.  By trusting in God and helping each other, we will continue to journey through this current adversity to more normal days.

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear students, faculty and staff,

I am writing to update the Waynesburg University community on the current status of confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus.

To begin, our campus community has been doing a very good job following the health and safety protocols that the University implemented in the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan. The demonstrated commitment of each of you to continually monitor your health and well-being and the concern you have shown for the health and well-being of others is both appreciated and respected. 

Despite this commitment, there have been eight cases of COVID-19 diagnosed among our students in the last several days. These cases appear to have arisen among connected groups of students. Following our health and safety protocols, we have performed contact tracing, notified those students that may have been exposed and have required those in close contact to quarantine in accordance with the University's plan. We also are monitoring the situation, as there may be more cases identified as test results are received.

The information that was collected during the contact tracing of these cases underscores the importance of carefully maintaining safe distancing and wearing a mask, not only in activities on campus but any activities off campus, particularly among close social groups. We all clearly yearn for a sense of normalcy in these unprecedented times. While those days certainly lie ahead, the present requires us to maintain the level of vigilance and proactive measures to protect the health, welfare and safety of our community. 

I have talked to many of our faculty, staff and students in the last several weeks. Most, if not all, have expressed satisfaction that our campus is open and classes are ongoing. We will continue to strive to keep the campus open, while at the same time taking reasonable measures to protect the members of our community. Your vigilance and cooperation is critical.

We are committed to keeping you informed. Your awareness of the facts will help you dispel any rumors or misconceptions. Should questions arise at any time about the current status of COVID-19 cases on our campus, please contact a member of our health and safety team or consult the health and safety plan information available on this webpage.

In closing, let us all continue our collective efforts to Keep Waynesburg Well and continue to pray for God‘s blessing and guidance through this semester.

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee

Dear Waynesburg University Students,

I want thank each of you for the way you have worked together on following our Keep Waynesburg Well Health and Safety Plan. Your concern and cooperation is truly keeping Waynesburg well.

As we head into the weekend, I ask each of you to continue to practice social distancing and to wear your masks. If you need to travel, please avoid areas and communities that are experiencing high infection rates and groups of people that are not being safe. No doubt all of you have read the accounts of how COVID-19 has spread through other campuses as a result of students’ actions and interactions at social gatherings and establishments where the transmission of the virus occurs because people aren’t social distancing or wearing masks. Please don’t make the same mistake.

We all have a responsibility for the safety and health of ourselves and each other. An irresponsible act on the part of just one of us can have health repercussions for all of us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for cooperating with the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan. We can look forward to continuing the semester on campus if we continue to practice safe habits.

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee

Dear Waynesburg University Students,

Mrs. Lee and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you back to campus. We are glad to see the campus alive again with your energy, enthusiasm and intellect.

We truly believe each of you represents the best hope for the future. Through our mission of connecting Faith, Learning and Serving, you are prepared not only for personal success, but to make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Our mission has been exemplified through the lives of our graduates over the many years of our existence. The fingerprints in the bricks of Miller Hall remind us of not only that mission, but also the commitment of students, faculty and staff to make those bricks and build that building through faith and perseverance.

As we begin this new academic year, our challenge is not to make bricks or a building, but to work together and respond creatively, collectively, reasonably and proactively to a worldwide pandemic.

The faculty and staff have worked hard since you were last here to create a safety plan that addresses the challenges of this pandemic.  We have relied not only on our internal expertise, but we have consulted also with outside experts to help us develop a plan that best suits this institution and our mission objectives.

What is required now is for each of us to do our very best to see that the plan succeeds; for each of us to accept personal responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe. We must monitor our health and protect others by following social distancing, wearing masks, practicing good hygiene, and utilizing the daily screening process. I ask that each of you take the time to read and understand the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan and comply with the protocols and procedures in that plan. Also, I have attached a document that provides more information on the daily screening process.

As we move forward into the fall term, we’ll be collecting and sharing stories and photos from you as well as our faculty and staff about who you protect by wearing a mask. I look forward to seeing your story.

Thank you again for your commitment to this institution and for everything you do. God bless and sustain all of you as we begin this semester.

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Members of the Waynesburg University community,

We have been working diligently over the last several months with a number of individual teams within our University as well as experts outside of our University to create our “Keep Waynesburg Well” health and safety plan, which can be found on this webpage. It serves as an addendum to the WU Emergency Operations Plan, and is intended to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19 for all in our University community and as we engage with the community surrounding WU.

Following federal, state, local, and regulatory guidelines, including guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, we are making adjustments and modifications in all areas on campus to mitigate risks. We are also coordinating with state and federal associations representing peer institutions on best practices for returning to campus, as well as outside experts in science, medicine, architectural, logistics, and legal areas.  In addition, we have enhanced our formal partnership with Washington Health Systems to ensure medical consultation, treatment and testing is available for members of our community.

In general, modifications include:

• A modified academic calendar to attempt to avoid a second wave of COVID-19;
• Practices related to hygiene, sanitation, and wearing face coverings on campus; 
• Protocols for the preparation of symptom questionnaires, testing, contact tracing, and quarantining; 
• Social distancing interventions and modifications to facilities; 
• Adjustments to campus policies, such as academic, housing, employee, and other policies; 
• Modifications to course modalities, schedules, and calendars; and 
• Other strategies to create an environment conducive to a health, safe, and inclusion.

This [plan] is meant to be proactive and as practical and adaptable as possible to address the ever changing scenarios presented by COVID-19.  Responding to COVID-19 is a responsibility that is shared by everyone in the University community.  We believe this plan provides guidance on best practices that each of us must implement to help minimize the risks presented by COVID-19. It is incumbent upon each of us to do our part to follow these guidelines and make them part of our daily habits, not just for our own safety but for the safety of those around us.

In closing, I want to take the opportunity to thank the many people that have worked so diligently in creating these guidelines.  COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges that we will overcome by working together. I am confident that our commitment to the strong mission of the University and our mutual concern and care for each other will guide us as we return to campus for the fall semester.  

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Waynesburg University Community,

I am writing to provide additional information about the plans to return to campus in the fall.

For the past several months, a number of campus-wide teams have been evaluating all aspects of campus life and operations for a return to campus.  These teams will continue their work during the summer and throughout the fall as the “Grow WU 2020-2021Team” in order to update processes and procedures as necessary to address issues and developments related to COVID-19.  In addition to utilizing the expertise and experience of Waynesburg University faculty and staff for this effort, we have also entered into a partnership with Washington Health Systems to provide us with professional medical guidance and resources. 

We have been in regular contact with peer institutions, directly and in conjunction with state and national associations of independent colleges and universities and the Presidents Athletic Conference member institutions.  We have also been obtaining almost daily information from federal, state and local agencies including: the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the United States Department of Education, the Centers for Disease Control, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other governmental and private agencies.

Our goal throughout this extensive process was to develop a plan that is flexible, nimble, and within our resources that will allow our 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 our students, faculty, staff and the surrounding Waynesburg community.  Greene County continues to have one of the lowest infection rates in the state.  We must work as a university community to do our part, to the extent possible, to foster an atmosphere that continues to protect the University and the community that surrounds it.  

We will be sharing more detailed information about the resumption of complete campus operations and the fall 2020 calendar in the weeks ahead.  In general, Waynesburg University is planning to resume complete operations for employees on July 15 and undergraduate classes on August 24, as scheduled.  There will be a recess for Labor Day on September 7 with evening classes resuming at 6 PM.  On-campus undergraduate classes will continue until November 20, which in most instances, will be the last date of on-campus instruction for the semester.  There will be two days of remote campus instruction on November 23 and 24 (some programs may require on-campus instruction), and final examinations will be administered remotely from December 1 through December 4.  The academic calendar for Graduate and Professional Studies remains unchanged, with classes beginning on August 24.

In creating this schedule for the fall semester, safety was a paramount consideration.  We are using the best possible information available at the current time.  By finishing early and eliminating breaks, we are making every reasonable effort to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID-19 on our campus and in the surrounding community.  To this end, we will make a health and safety plan available to the campus community and on our website that outlines our measured and strategic approach to safely resuming in-person instruction, operations, services, and activities at Waynesburg University.

In addition to working on the operational health and safety concerns, we are also enhancing and growing learning opportunities through the work of a distance learning team.  Led by Dr. Evonne Baldauff, this cross-division team will develop additional remote learning opportunities for graduate and undergraduate curriculum.  With the help of a generous benefactor, the university has engaged several high-quality instructional designers that are working with our faculty to maximize instructional opportunities.

Waynesburg University has weathered many challenges in its 171 year history.  The core component throughout this time has been the strong commitment to the mission of this institution carried in the hearts and minds of the members of this community.  Let us pray for God‘s grace and truth to lead us, protect us, and sustain us.

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee

Dear Waynesburg University Community,

I am writing in light of the recent announcement by Pennsylvania Governor Wolf regarding the reopening of Pennsylvania. We have been developing plans to begin a return to campus activities in a gradual and safe manner and continue to update those plans as we receive additional information on the reopening of our region.

In addition to the state and CDC guidelines, we are in consultation with other institutions and medical professionals to develop protocols and procedures that will allow us to bring students, faculty and staff back to campus in the safest environment possible. As of this letter, Greene County has one of the lowest numbers of coronavirus cases per capita in the state, according to statistics provided by the state of Pennsylvania. With continued vigilance and plans that can be flexible and responsive to any further orders by state or federal officials, we will do the best things in the worst times.

Looking ahead to our next academic year, our plan and intention is to open the campus to our students in the fall. Toward this end, we will continue to develop and update plans and protocols that will contribute to the safety of our students, faculty and staff.

I also wanted to share these additional points with all of you:

• Work continues on bringing a Chick-fil-A to the campus in the fall. The timeframe has been slightly changed due to the stay-at-home order, but we are working hard to begin the renovations necessary to have this exciting addition on our campus.
• Also, work on the renovated Bee Hive that includes a 24-hour mini convenience store, fully renovated Starbucks and kiosk ordering system is moving ahead.
• Waynesburg University’s eHIVE, in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center, will host a one-hour webinar on becoming a gig or a hobby entrepreneur. The eHIVE will also be sponsoring a “see it, solve it” pitch competition. Information on that event will be coming out in the next week.
• The University is collaborating with the nonprofit Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research (KINBER) of Harrisburg and Morgantown-based ClearFiber Communications to string an 81-mile broadband cable through parts of Washington and Greene counties and Waynesburg University. This will bring high-speed internet access to a poorly served area of southwest Pennsylvania and improve learning opportunities for students living in those areas.

These are just some of the projects we have been working on in the last several months. They demonstrate our continued commitment to developing opportunities for the surrounding community, even in these challenging times.

There is more to talk about as we look ahead to the coming months, and you will be provided with continued updates as more information becomes available.

Mrs. Lee and I wish all of you and your families continued blessings. All of you remain in our prayers.

We look forward to seeing all of you.

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Students of Waynesburg University,

God Bless You.

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Alumni and Friends of Waynesburg University,

During these past 10 days, our University, like every other institution in higher education, has faced challenges presented by the coronavirus outbreak in our nation.

Throughout this time, our concern and care have been for our students, faculty and staff, and also for all of you, the members of the larger Waynesburg University community. We have worked together to respond to the current public health crisis, with the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community as the impetus for each decision. 

I am grateful for the faith, leadership, collaboration, ingenuity and can-do spirit that I have witnessed from the faculty, staff and students. Many of you have reached to us with offers of support and to let us know you are thinking about and praying for our University. Thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.

Many of you are on the front lines of helping others as our nation and world confront this challenge. Some are serving in positions that are being called upon in an unprecedented manner, particularly those in health care and public safety. No matter our role, we are all facing this challenge collectively. We want you all to know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We are proud of the great work so many of you are doing to help others, a true hallmark of a Waynesburg University education.

We have been communicating to our students and assuring our incoming class that we will keep our traditions alive and well, and we look forward to welcoming them to the same experiences you had here. We are an institution that remains committed to educating students to live lives of purpose for the glory of God, a close knit community of support and encouragement.

We are also thinking ahead to emerging from this time as a leader in the new dynamics of education that will likely develop. The University is blessed to have individuals that have already stepped forward with resources that will allow us to grow in this new direction.

This is a historic moment for our country and also for this institution. Tied together by our strong mission and faith in God, the lamp of Waynesburg University is burning brightly. With your continued prayers and support, the growing reputation and impact of this University will dramatically grow from the midst of these challenging times.

Thank you for the role you have played in our institution’s rich history. We pray that you and your families stay healthy and well in the coming weeks and months.

God Bless You.

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear members of the Waynesburg University Community, 

Late yesterday afternoon, I participated in a teleconference with a number of Pennsylvania University Presidents and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The teleconference provided further insight that the measures we have implemented in the last several days are consistent with the Governor’s directives and also with our commitment to provide for the safety of our students, faculty, staff and the larger community.

This past week has been a challenging time for all involved in higher education. I am particularly grateful for the leadership and collaboration I have witnessed at all levels across this University. In the past 10 days, we have essentially transitioned to a virtual university, and I want to thank all of you for your unwavering dedication to this University and its mission. 

As we move into the new challenges the weeks ahead may present, let us continue to pray for God‘s continued providential presence not only for Waynesburg University, but for leaders and citizens at all levels across this world.

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Members of the Class of 2020,

I wanted to personally write to assure each of you, the members of the Class of 2020, that Waynesburg University is committed to having a Commencement on this campus for your class. 

I know this has been a very difficult time for all of you, and it is not what you expected your senior year to be. I am deeply sorry to each of you for that.

I also know that all of you appreciate how quickly the situation in Pennsylvania and across the nation has changed in just a matter of days. At this point, the state, local and federal agencies have placed in effect guidelines that are limiting the number of individuals and gatherings. The number has quickly declined from 200 to 25, with even smaller groups being encouraged. The best information we have at this time is that these restrictions are likely to last at least eight weeks.

Given all of this information and the uncertainty of what the immediate future holds, it is not safe or possible for commencement to be held on May 3, 2020. While we are postponing Commencement, we do intend to announce a new date as soon as we have enough information to do so. We will also provide enough notice so that you, your family, and friends can return to campus for the celebration.

Please know that each of you is a valued member of this university community. It is our intention to make your Commencement a celebration not only of your past achievements, but also one that is rooted in the knowledge that each of you will be entering society with the faith, vision and integrity necessary to lead the world of the not too distant future.

Please be patient and we will provide more information to you as soon as we can.

God bless each one of you, your family and your friends.

Sincerely,

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear members of the Waynesburg University Community, 

On Friday, March 13, the first reported presumptive case of the coronavirus in Washington County was announced. Since that time, the case has been confirmed to be coronavirus and several additional cases have now been confirmed in neighboring Allegheny County. 

On Saturday, March 14, Governor Wolf ordered additional measures be taken to respond to the coronavirus situation, including the closing of all primary and secondary schools, and provided guidance on further measures on institutions of higher education in counties labeled as “aggressive social distancing counties.” Although at this time, Greene County has not been identified as one of those counties, we continue to monitor status and any potential restrictions here, and expect to continue to receive updates and directives from federal, state and local government. 

In light of these changes, we are taking additional steps as described below that are reflective of our commitment to the safety and interest of our students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community, as well as the rapidly evolving state and federal directives to flatten the coronavirus transmission rate.

We also continue to consult federal, state and programmatic guidelines to provide all students with the opportunities to complete academic plans, degree programs and course requirements, including clinical placements, research projects, laboratories, internships, student teaching and other experiential learning requirements. Department Chairs and Program Directors will communicate directly with students involved with changes in these areas.   

In light of the escalating federal, state and local efforts to slow the transmission of the coronavirus, all students should now plan to leave campus as soon as possible but no later than Friday, March 20. All students must complete this Vacating Campus Form by Wednesday, March 18, so that the University may correctly adjust room and board charges. Students with a compelling reason to stay must also complete this form by Wednesday, March 18, to explain their extenuating circumstances. We will work with those students individually. 

In an additional effort to safeguard our campus, we are implementing the following restrictions to campus facilities, effective immediately until further notice. 

• Campus events, campus visits and other conferences are cancelled until further notice. This was a very difficult decision and not done without the knowledge that many have worked hard to prepare for various events on- and off-campus. However, it was made after carefully weighing the safety of the entire Waynesburg University community and the surrounding communities.
  • Students currently on campus cannot invite anyone (guests or students who chose to vacate) to visit campus. 
  • Any students leaving campus this week will be asked to check in with Student Services if they plan to return to campus this semester. In all cases, please practice social distancing to limit your contact with others to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.  
  • Essential facilities (e.g., dining hall, Student Health Services, Student Services, the Counseling Center and Public Safety) will remain open.
  • Access to the fieldhouse, fitness center, recreational and common areas will be restricted and other facilities may be further restricted, as necessary. 
• If you have already vacated campus, you will not be permitted to visit campus facilities including residence halls, the dining hall, library, computer and science labs, athletic facilities, recreational or other non-essential areas. Certain offices such as Public Safety, Student Health Services, and Student Services will remain accessible to you. If you need access, please contact Student Services. 

Waynesburg University remains committed to protecting the well-being of all members of the campus community. If the University is notified that a Waynesburg University community member is diagnosed with either a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19, the University will work with that individual on testing and self-isolation protocols. The University will follow CDC protocols and guidelines to work individuals who may have been in contact with that individual.

We will continue to provide updates from the University on a regular basis as conditions evolve. Please refer to this web page for updated information on COVID-19 and for updated answers to frequently asked questions. 

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Waynesburg University Community,

Since January of this year, Waynesburg University has been monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and responding to the situation. The University developed a response team with 10 sub teams that have been planning for and responding to all aspects of a University response to this virus. We are in close consultation with public health experts, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and accrediting agencies, Pennsylvania Department of Health and other institutions in the region to obtain information in real time and respond accordingly.

Throughout the process, we were guided by four imperatives: safeguarding the health of students, faculty and staff, ensuring that students continue to receive the quality education for which Waynesburg University is noted, maintaining the learning community that contributes to our quality educational experience, and also appreciating the national effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus in order to protect our communities and the regions beyond. 

Although there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Greene County or at Waynesburg University, we are taking these steps:

• Effective Monday, March 16, all in-person classes are suspended, with classes resuming with distance and remote modes of instruction beginning Monday, March 23.
• Graduate classes and other classes already online will continue without interruption. 
• Students are strongly encouraged to consider their best interests in choosing whether to remain on campus or to return home. Students have until Friday, March 20, to make their decision. Students leaving must complete this Vacating Campus Form, and students remaining on campus must complete the Residency Registration for Remote Classes – Spring 2020 Form.  
• For those electing to remain on campus, dormitories and dining facilities will remain open.
• These changes will remain in effect for the remainder of the semester, subject to further modifications as the situation continues to evolve. 

A number of additional measures have also been implemented to protect the health and safety of our full college community. Our facilities staff has increased its frequency of cleaning of common areas including doors, door handles, rails, door frames, desks, etc., that are in high-traffic, public areas. Hand sanitizer and soap have been placed in additional locations throughout campus, and many campus activities and events are being suspended or cancelled based on information from state and federal health agencies. 

The coronavirus has presented unprecedented challenges for all involved. It is an evolving situation that continues to require vigilant attention, cooperation from all, and adaptability in decision-making. We are confident that the University’s senior leadership team, response team and sub teams can meet the challenges presented and achieve the University’s goals.

We will continue to provide updates should the situation require additional decisions as we move forward. Please refer to this web page for updated information on COVID-19 and for answers to frequently asked questions.

Douglas G. Lee
President

Dear Waynesburg University Community,

Waynesburg University’s top priority is and remains the safety and well being of our students, faculty and staff.

Due to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our Emergency Response Team has put into effect a number of precautions to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus. While there are no presumptive or confirmed cases at Waynesburg University at this time, we are continually monitoring best practices to help maintain the health and safety of our campus and surrounding community.

A number of guidelines and resources are available on this web page. We recommend that this be the first reference for anyone with immediate questions or concerns. The site is being updated as relevant information is available.

I am grateful for everyone on our team who is directly involved in helping to manage and assess this important issue.

Douglas G. Lee
President