Recent Updates

• May 6, 2022: COVID update

  Dear Willamette Community,

  We hope this message finds you well as the academic year winds down and we prepare to celebrate the accomplishments of our soon-to-be graduates. We write to share an end-of-semester COVID update.

  Summary of the Semester

  We want to thank you for your diligence and care this past year and throughout the pandemic. Along with the rest of the country and region, we experienced both the joys of being able to connect more fully in person and the concerns of some spikes in cases during the year. We are pleased to report that we are ending the semester with no students in on-campus isolation spaces.

  While COVID will be with us for the foreseeable future, we are at a fundamentally different place in our ability to respond to COVID as a nation, region, and campus community. Tools like safe and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and more capacity in our hospitals to treat the seriously ill will allow us to better manage this now as an endemic virus.

  Vaccine Requirements for Fall 2022

  Willamette University is requiring that all incoming and returning students be up to date with their COVID vaccine, which is defined as having a full vaccine series of an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine in addition to one booster shot. Currently approved exemptions for documented medical or religious reasons will be honored.

  Case Reporting and Dashboard

  We ask that you continue to submit a report if you test positive while working or studying on any of our campuses this summer. The reporting links are available on our COVID information page. Please note that we do not plan to maintain the COVID dashboard after this semester ends unless circumstances change.
  
  Again, we want to extend our gratitude to the entire Willamette community for your dedication and care for one another throughout this academic year. We will continue to stay connected to our public health partners to inform any future decisions related to the care of our community.

  We hope you have a safe, healthy, and restful summer break!

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• April 25, 2022: COVID update

  Dear Willamette community,

  As can be seen on the Willamette COVID dashboard (particularly last week’s archive), we are seeing an increase in reported COVID cases in the Willamette community, consistent with what is being seen in Oregon. We understand that a rise in cases may create concern. As we continue to monitor the situation and consult with public health officials, it is important to understand how the larger public health landscape has changed since the arrival of the COVID virus two years ago and the metrics we use to inform our response.

  Our public health partners remind us that case counts alone are no longer as reliable or useful in developing public health guidance as they were earlier in the pandemic, and can be misleading. Early in the pandemic, an increase in cases led to a predictable increase in hospitalizations and deaths that overwhelmed hospitals and health care systems. Now, as a result of very high vaccination rates, widely available therapeutics for those at higher risk, and some degree of natural immunity from prior infection in the population, hospitalizations and death are remaining comparatively flat, even as case counts are rising. This means that systems can rely on tools other than universal mask mandates to manage a surge in cases. As a country, we are in a fundamentally different place in our ability to manage the virus than we were even at the beginning of the semester.

  Additionally, both Marion and Multnomah Counties (as well as all of Oregon) remain in the “Low” community level per CDC definition. At this time, the Oregon Health Authority has communicated that it is not planning to re-institute a state-wide indoor mask mandate, and Willamette will align with that guidance. If that guidance changes, so will Willamette’s. For community members who want to take extra precautions, we know that one-way masking works if you are wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask.

  Tests still available for students

  We know that COVID will be with us for the foreseeable future, and we expect cases to rise and fall periodically. But, the COVID vaccine does a very good job of preventing serious illness and death, and Willamette has very high campus vaccination rates. Bishop Wellness Center continues to provide tests for students with symptoms of COVID or those identified as a close contact. COVID tests can also be found in the community by using OHA’s Testing Site Finder. Free at-home kits can be ordered by visiting www.covid.gov/tests. For the testing to be most accurate, close contacts should wait 3-5 days after exposure to be tested.

  Reporting positive tests and protocols for if you test positive or are exposed

  We ask that you continue to report positive tests. The reporting links are available on our COVID information page. Those who are not feeling well should stay home and continue to follow isolation guidance as recommended. Exposed close contacts who are up to date with their vaccinations and do not have any symptoms generally do not need to quarantine, though they should wear a mask for 10 days, and avoid travel for 5 days. The CDC has a helpful Isolation and Quarantine Calculator to help you determine any action steps for you given your specific circumstances.

  As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to make decisions informed by evolving public health guidance.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• March 10, 2022: COVID mask requirement reminder

  Dear Willamette community,

  As we shared in our message on February 28, Oregon will lift its statewide indoor mask requirements on March 12, 2022, and Willamette will follow suit by ending our indoor mask policy on the Salem and Portland campuses (including in classrooms) on the same day.

  We understand that these changes in the response to COVID-19 may cause some anxiety and fear given our approach to the global pandemic for the last two years. Although we should expect COVID-19 to be with us for a while, our public health partners are confident that the conditions are right to begin aligning our COVID-19 precautions to the emerging endemic nature of the virus and transition from administrative policies to personal choice and responsibility. As an institution dedicated to both community care and science, we will continue to follow the advice of our public health partners and adapt to our changing circumstances as needed.

  Events & Classrooms

  Proof of COVID vaccination status and/or a negative COVID test will no longer be required to gain entry to campus events. As this is a university-wide policy, organizers cannot modify this policy for specific events or gatherings on a Willamette campus. Specifically, if you are hosting a Willamette-sponsored event, you cannot require your guests to wear masks or to provide proof of vaccination in order to gain access to your event.
  Additionally, faculty members should not set up special rules for their classrooms (like requiring students to wear a mask) and administrative offices should not create their own masking policies; choosing to wear a mask is a decision made by individuals.

  COVID Tests

  For those who are interested, you may now place a second order for additional free at-home COVID tests via USPS.

  We will continue to monitor the situation. If we experience new COVID surges or concerning variants, we will work with our public health partners to adjust our strategies accordingly, as we have done throughout the pandemic.

  Thank you for continuing to care for and prioritize the health and safety of our campus community.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• February 28, 2022: COVID mask requirement update

  Dear Willamette community,

  We write to provide you with an upcoming update to Willamette’s mask requirements and changes to our visitor and event spectator policies.

  Mask Requirements

  Today, Gov. Brown announced that Oregon will lift state-wide indoor mask requirements on March 12, 2022. The CDC also updated its guidance on February 25th to reflect that masks are no longer required in over 70 percent of the counties in the United States, including Marion and Multnomah Counties.

  Willamette University will align our policies with state and federal guidance as we have done throughout the pandemic and lift our indoor mask policy (including in classrooms) on March 12. Masks will still be required in Bishop Wellness Center per state guidelines for healthcare settings.

  People will still choose to continue to wear masks for a variety of reasons, and as a community, we need to support individuals’ personal decisions to wear a mask, despite the changes in public health guidance that no longer require it. We encourage those who are immunocompromised or with underlying health conditions to follow health guidance that recommends they continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others, preferably a KN95 or N95.

  Visitor and Spectator Policy

  Proof of COVID vaccination status and/or a negative COVID test will no longer be required to gain entry to campus - including both outdoor and indoor Willamette events - beginning March 12.

  Rationale

  We recognize that although the removal of indoor mask mandates on Willamette’s campuses is a welcome change for some members of our community, it may cause apprehension for others. The decision to change our policies was informed by a variety of important factors.

  First, the OHA and CDC decisions to end mask requirements considered the significant regional and national declines in hospitalizations and infections. Consistent with these trends, case counts on our Willamette campuses have declined significantly since January. We also have high vaccination and booster compliance rates (as of today, our booster compliance rate is over 92% among students, faculty, and staff).

  

  Second, public health experts have learned that Omicron, while more contagious, arrived at a fundamentally different time than the earlier variants and is generally less severe. A much higher percentage of the population also had some degree of immunity, either through vaccination or previous infection. As such, Omicron did not produce the direct link between cases and hospitalizations and deaths as did other strains earlier in the pandemic. These new understandings are correspondingly driving new guidance. Public health experts are advising that factors like hospital capacity and access to treatment, more than case counts, should be primary decision-making metrics moving forward.

  Third, the long-term impact of social distancing and mask wearing has caused negative psychological effects for many, including increased anxiety and depression, delays in social and emotional development, isolation, post-traumatic stress symptoms, complicated grief, and anger to name a few; in addition to the challenges experienced for learning. As the conditions for the virus and our ability to manage its spread have greatly improved at the national, state, regional, and campus levels over the past year, we are able to now balance our approach to managing COVID with the impact continued masking has on learning and other aspects of our wellbeing.

  Future Planning

  Moving forward, we will continue to make decisions informed by evolving public health guidance. As the world transitions to conceptualizing COVID as endemic rather than pandemic, we are similarly aligning our thinking to see COVID as an ever-present virus that we will have to manage and treat as necessary. COVID is now likely to remain with us for the foreseeable future.

  Please continue to report positive tests. The reporting links are available on our COVID information page. If we experience new COVID surges or concerning variants, we will work with our public health partners to adjust our strategies accordingly, as we have done throughout the pandemic. We continue to ask those who are not feeling well to stay home and continue to follow isolation guidance as recommended.

  Thank you for continuing to care for and prioritize the health and safety of our campus community.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• February 4, 2022: COVID update

  Dear Willamette community,

  This COVID Advisory Team update includes a summary of campus cases as well as information regarding how you can clean and re-use your KN95/N95 and other disposable masks, and a report on Willamette’s booster compliance rate.

  Campus Cases

  While Omicron caused an increase in confirmed cases of COVID in our campus community in both Salem and Portland during the first few weeks of January, we are now seeing weekly case numbers drop dramatically (as evidenced by the graph below). This highlights the positive effect the quiet period had on limiting the spread of COVID on our campuses.

  

  As is the case across Oregon, most cases of spread appear to be related to close indoor gatherings of unmasked people; frequently friends and family. This is a good reminder of the importance of masking.

  How to Reuse Disposable Masks

  The CDC has updated its mask recommendations to officially recommend the use of N95s/KN95s and other respirator masks over cloth masks. Did you know that you do not need to throw away your N95s and other respirator masks after one use? The CDC has provided a simple strategy that involves rotating used masks in brown paper bags. Since COVID has an expected survival time of about 72 hours, placing a used mask in a paper bag and waiting five to seven days is enough time for it to be inactivated and free of COVID particles, thus making it safe for reuse.

  Please note that you should not wash or clean a used disposable mask with bleach, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other chemicals. Treating disposable masks with alcohol in particular reduces their integrity and filtration efficiency, and using bleach or other disinfectants is dangerous and can lead to serious health issues if trace amounts of disinfectant remain on the mask and are then breathed in.

  It is still recommended that if you have plentiful replacement masks available, you should throw a mask away if you’ve been in a location that has experienced high levels of exposure to the COVID virus.

  If you’re still in search of a mask, Fred Meyer recently announced that it is serving as an access point for free non-surgical N95 masks as part of its partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

  Booster Compliance Rate

  We are pleased to report that the vast majority of students, faculty, and staff have met the university’s February 1 deadline to upload booster information. All students, faculty, and staff who are not compliant with this university policy will be contacted soon. Students who remain out of compliance with this policy will have registration holds placed on their accounts, will not be able to hold leadership positions on campus, may not participate in intercollegiate athletics, and may be subject to other requirements or restrictions to support community health. Further, student employees that are not compliant with this policy will not be able to continue in their student employee positions. Employees may be separated or placed on unpaid leave pending compliance.

  Thank you for continuing to care for and prioritize the health and safety of our campus community.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

   

• January 28, 2022: COVID end of quiet period update

  Dear Willamette community,

  Willamette University’s Quiet Period will end on Sunday, January 30th, and in-person classes and activities will resume on both the Salem and Portland campuses on Monday, January 31.
  As predicted by health officials, Omicron cases are plateauing in Oregon and are declining in other parts of the country. Cases impacting the Willamette community are similarly declining. We write with a few reminders about the mitigation strategies in place as we return to a more robust in-person experience on our campuses.

  Stay Home if You Are Ill!

  Stay aware of any symptoms of illness and DO NOT go to class, work, and activities if you are ill. The symptoms of cold and flu often mirror symptoms of COVID.

  Prevent the Spread of Infection

  The best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself from germs and viruses. Wear a recommended N95/KN95 mask or double mask, cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands often. Soap and water is most effective, but sanitizing gel also works. Most importantly, please take good care of yourself, and get enough rest.

  Although Goudy Commons will be open for in-person dining for those who chose to dine in, students are asked not to eat in classrooms.

  COVID Testing

  For students, Bishop Wellness Center continues to offer COVID tests to symptomatic students. Importantly, testing is most accurate 2-3 days after symptom onset, so testing too soon after developing symptoms increases the chance of a false negative. Additionally, any student identified as a close contact of someone with a confirmed case of COVID by a university or public health official will receive an outreach that includes follow-up about testing and any needed quarantine. Bishop Wellness Center is open Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm, and can be reached at (503) 370-6062.

  There are also a number of other testing options available to employees and students. You can also find a local testing site via the Oregon Health Authority Vaccine and Testing Site Locator.

  The federal government will provide four (4) free at-home rapid test kits to every residential address. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this program. You can order your free at-home kits by visiting https://www.covidtests.gov/. Anyone living in an apartment or on-campus residence hall should enter their Apartment or Box # in the “Apt/Suite/Other” field on the form. Additionally, for those who are insured, your health insurance company will reimburse you for eight (8) at-home tests per month for each person on your plan. You can learn more about insurance reimbursement here.

  Students testing positive for COVID must report this to the university through this link. Employees testing positive for COVID must report this to the university through this link. The university will provide outreach to any close contact in the university community with information on testing and quarantine.

  Mask Recommendations

  The CDC has updated its mask guidance to recommend wearing KN95 and N95 masks. If you are having difficulty obtaining a KN95 or N95 mask, they are available at the Service Center desk in Salem and at the front desk at PNCA. In addition, double masking (wearing a disposable mask underneath a cloth mask) is also recommended for those who do not have a KN95 or N95 mask.

  The Biden administration has announced its intention to provide N95 masks to people nationwide for free at pharmacies, community centers and vaccination sites. The masks will start to become available next week, with the program expected to be fully up and running by early February.

  Thank you for your continued support and compliance.
  Sincerely,

  COVID Advisory Team

• January 21, 2022: COVID Advisory Team Update

  Dear Willamette community,

  We write to you with an update on Willamette’s quiet period, the federal government’s investment in at-home COVID testing, and mask guidance and availability.

  Quiet Period

  The quiet period will not be extended after next week, and in-person classes and activities will resume on both the Salem and Portland campuses on January 31.

  Please note that the quiet period is still in effect for the week of January 23, and that masks will continue to be required indoors in all Willamette buildings once our community returns from the quiet period.

  COVID Testing

  The federal government recently announced that it will provide four (4) free at-home rapid test kits to every residential address free of charge. We encourage our community members (including students) to take advantage of this program. You can order your free at-home kits by visiting https://www.covidtests.gov/. Anyone living in an on-campus apartment or residence hall should enter their Apartment or Box # in the “Apt/Suite/Other” field on the form. Additionally, for those who are insured, your health insurance company will reimburse you for eight (8) at-home tests per month for each person on your plan. You can learn more about insurance reimbursement here. You can also find a local testing site via the Oregon Health Authority Vaccine and Testing Site Locator.

  Mask Recommendations

  The CDC has updated its mask guidance to recommend wearing KN95 and N95 masks. If you are having difficulty obtaining a KN95 or N95 mask, they are available at the Service Center desk in Salem and at the front desk at PNCA. In addition, double masking (wearing a disposable mask underneath a cloth mask) is also recommended for those who do not have a KN95 or N95 mask.

  The Biden administration has announced its intention to provide N95 masks to people nationwide for free at pharmacies, community centers and vaccination sites. The masks will start to become available next week, with the program expected to be fully up and running by early February.

  Campus Cases

  Since classes resumed, we have expectedly seen an increase in confirmed cases of COVID in our campus community in both Salem and Portland. We are finding that most of these cases are tied to unmasked close contact among close friends, families, and partners, highlighting the need for continued diligence and mask wearing, especially in social settings in indoor spaces.

  Booster Reminder

  As a reminder, all eligible students, faculty, and staff are required to submit proof of their booster shot by February 1. The exceptions are for those who 1) have an approved COVID vaccination exemption on file, or 2) are not yet eligible for a booster shot based on the timing of their previous vaccination series.

  Thank you for your continued support and compliance.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• January 14, 2022: Quiet period update

  Dear Willamette community,

  We write to you with an important update to our ongoing quiet period, during which faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to limit unnecessary in-person activities and interactions.

  Due to the rapid spread and cases caused by the Omicron variant, the quiet period originally scheduled from January 10-24 (Salem) and January 17-30 (PNCA) will be extended by one week for the Salem campus. This means that the quiet period for both campuses will be through January 30th. We are hopeful the surge of Omicron cases will have largely subsided by the end of this extension, but if any further extension is warranted we will let you know by Friday, January 21.

  As a reminder, Willamette’s campuses remain open during the quiet period, and both curricular and co-curricular activities continue, but modified wherever possible to reduce the risk of spreading COVID. Some large events have been canceled or postponed. During the quiet period:

  • Reduce interaction with others, particularly unmasked interactions, as much as possible for the duration of the quiet period. Masks should continue to be worn at all times around others, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Classes that can be temporarily made remote have moved online, with the intention of returning to full in-person instruction after the quiet period is completed.
  • Some classes that rely on in-person activities (such as science labs and studios) still require your presence, and hybrid flex options for such courses will not be provided.
  • Some classes that began the semester with online sessions may need, for pedagogical reasons, to return in full or in part to in-person instruction before the end of the quiet period. Faculty should clearly communicate with their students any changes in the planned mode of instruction.

  While the CDC has not yet changed its mask recommendations, when available we recommend that Willamette faculty, staff, and students wear N95 or KN95 masks instead of cloth masks or other face coverings. Masks should be worn at all times around others, regardless of vaccination status.

  As mentioned by President Thorsett earlier this week, a full vaccination series combined with a booster shot has been shown to be extremely effective at minimizing serious disease and hospitalization for most people.

  With the latest surge moving so quickly, time is of the essence for those still needing a booster, as all eligible students, faculty, and staff are required to submit proof of their booster shot by February 1. The only exceptions are for those who 1) have an approved COVID vaccination exemption on file, or 2) are not yet eligible for a booster shot based on the timing of their previous vaccination series.

  We will continue to monitor the situation and implement the necessary steps to keep our community as healthy and safe as possible.

  Thank you for your continued support and compliance. Stay safe and we hope to see you on campus soon.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• January 6, 2022: COVID booster requirement update

  Hello Colleagues,

  Vaccination remains the leading prevention strategy to protect individuals from COVID-19 disease. Although the two-dose COVID-19 vaccination remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination becomes less effective over time.

  In response to emerging public health guidance related to the rapid spread of the Omicron Variant, Willamette University is requiring the COVID-19 booster for all community members by February 1, 2021. The only exceptions for employees and volunteers are those who either: 1) have an approved COVID vaccination exemption on file with HR, or 2) are not yet eligible for a booster shot based on the timing of their previous vaccination.

  To submit your COVID Vaccine Booster Information and Upload Your COVID Card:

  • Log in to the Employee Portal
  • Click on the Workday button to access Workday.
  • Search "my vaccination" in the Workday search bar and select the "Add My Vaccination" task.
  • Select your Vaccine Type (COVID-19), Vaccination Status (Fully Vaccinated), Vaccine manufacturer, and Vacccine Event Type (Booster) from the drop-down menus.
  • Enter the date you received your booster dose.
  • Read the attestation and select "Confirm" checkbox to confirm you are providing accurate information.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the screen to the Attachments section and click "Select Files" to upload your COVID vaccine card.
  • Choose "Vaccination Record" in the document Category box.
  • Click the orange "Submit" button.

  A job aid with screenshots can be found on the HR webpage.

  Information about boosters shots, including how to locate a booster shot provider, is available for Oregon residents on the Oregon Health Authority webpage, and is available for others on the CDC website.

  If you have any questions or experience any technical difficulties, please contact Human Resources at (503) 370-6210, or hr@willamette.edu.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

   

• December 30, 2021: COVID booster requirement update

  Dear Willamette community,

  We hope you are giving yourselves the rest and respite you deserve during this holiday season. Before we left for winter break, we strongly recommended that all members of the Willamette community get their COVID booster shot, and anticipated requiring boosters by Fall 2022. We write to alert you that we are changing our vaccination policy and requiring that all eligible faculty, staff, and students receive a COVID booster shot by February 1, 2022.

  Booster shots

  Like many of you, we have been following the news regarding Omicron and its rapid transmission. Although experts believe that the two-dose vaccinations continue to do a good job of protecting us, evidence is mounting that a third “booster” shot provides the best protection from this latest COVID variant and enhances public health.

  We are investigating the possibility of providing a booster clinic on campus, but we cannot promise that this will be possible. We are thus providing this notice now, so that those who are eligible have ample time to prioritize getting a booster while you are on your break, as it may be more convenient for you to do so before classes start.

  Eligible individuals are those who:

  • Received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination at least six months ago; or
  • Received the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccination at least two months ago.

  In accordance with CDC guidance, individuals who previously received other World Health Organization-approved vaccinations should receive a Pfizer booster if they received their initial vaccine series at least six months ago.

  Willamette University will require that all students, faculty, and staff submit proof of booster vaccine status. We will share information on how to provide your booster data in January. Those who previously received an exemption under Willamette’s vaccination policy do not need to apply for another one for the booster, and will be considered in compliance with the policy.

  Quiet period

  As a reminder, we are instituting a two-week “quiet period” on all Willamette campuses that extends two weeks into the spring semester. The goal of this quiet period is to reduce in-person activities and interactions to allow time to identify infections that may have been acquired over break and travel, and interrupt spread once everyone returns to campus.

  As we noted in our previous message, we expect all students whose permanent residence is not in the Salem or Portland areas to return to their residence halls or local housing as originally planned. Most, but not all, classes will move online during this two-week period, with the intention of returning to in-person instruction after the quiet period is completed. Some classes that rely on in-person activities will require the presence of students and faculty. Students will be notified by their professors if classes will be meeting in person. Hybrid flex options will not be provided during the quiet period (nor after the quiet period is over, for students who have delayed their return to the area).

  During the quiet period, students may still engage in research or lab activities as approved by their professors, and take part in exercise or recreation, provided that all COVID safety protocols are strictly followed. Essential campus spaces such as bathrooms and laundry rooms will remain open. Large, open spaces – such as the fitness center, lounge areas, living rooms, courtyards, libraries, and large study spaces — will remain open for individual or small group studying. Campus offices will also remain open, although many operations will be conducted remotely.

  Testing

  We want to reiterate our recommendation that you take a COVID test within 72 hours before returning to campus. In combination with our existing preventative measure of requiring face coverings indoors, pre-travel testing and our quiet period will help ensure that we continue to protect all members of the Salem and Portland campus communities once everyone returns to campus. On the Salem campus, Bishop will continue to be available to test students who believe they may have developed COVID symptoms and the testing clinics will be operating to test students identified as close contacts. We will continue to investigate testing options for the Portland campus.

  Lastly, in response to emerging research, the CDC just amended their isolation and quarantine guidance, which shortens timelines in many situations. Anyone testing positive for COVID must still isolate. However, those without symptoms or those whose symptoms are resolving after 5 days may end isolation after 5 days (shortened from 10 days), regardless of vaccination status. Quarantine times may also be shortened to five days for exposed close contacts in many cases.

  Please note that the 5 days of isolation should be followed by 5 days of wearing a mask around others to minimize the risk of spreading COVID.

  We will continue to monitor the situation and work to implement the necessary steps to keep our community as healthy and safe as possible.

  Thank you for your continued support and compliance.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• December 17, 2021: Quiet period after winter break

  Dear Willamette community,

  Winter break is upon us and we once again thank you for doing your part to help protect the health and wellness of our community throughout the pandemic.
  Recent updates from national and state health authorities have made it clear that the new Omicron variant is more transmissible than any previous COVID variant. This new information requires a shift in Willamette’s approach to containing the virus when we return for the spring semester.

  Quiet Period

  Willamette will enforce a two-week “quiet period”, during which students will be encouraged to limit their in-person activities and interactions. Many classes that can be made remote will move online during this two-week period with the intention of returning to full in-person instruction after the quiet period is completed. For the Salem campus, the quiet period will begin January 10. For the PNCA campus, the quiet period will begin January 18.

  Department of Athletics staff will communicate any changes to athletics after January 3 if needed as more information becomes known.

  We expect everyone to return to campus as originally planned. Some classes that rely on in-person activities (such as science labs) will require your presence, and hybrid flex options for such courses will not be provided. Given the risk of infection during travel, this quiet period of reduced interaction after travel gives us the opportunity to identify any cases before they have the opportunity to spread widely in our community. Please do not delay your return to campus; depending on what we learn in the weeks ahead, it might be necessary to enforce an additional quarantine period on those returning late for the semester.

  We also recommend that you get a COVID test within 72 hours before returning to campus. In combination with our existing preventative measure of requiring face coverings indoors, pre-travel testing and this quiet period will help ensure that we continue to protect all members of the Willamette and PNCA communities once everyone returns to campus after the break.

  For Staff: Division and department heads should communicate with their teams about expectations for office staffing from January 3 through 16, and where appropriate for job duties, to encourage staff to work remotely.

  Boosters

  As President Thorsett noted in his message to the community, we strongly recommend getting your COVID booster shot. Early evidence indicates that the booster provides broad protection against Omicron. We anticipate that we will require boosters for Fall 2022, and encourage everyone who is able to get their booster as you become eligible.

  The easiest way to schedule booster and testing appointments prior to your return to campus is to look up locations on the Oregon Health Authority Vaccine and Testing Services Finder at https://getvaccinated.oregon.gov/#/locator or through the CDC’s vaccine finder site: https://www.vaccines.gov/.

  Ahead of gatherings with family and friends in the coming weeks, we echo President Thorsett’s message from yesterday in urging you to socially distance and mask up around those who may be immunocompromised or unvaccinated.

  Please stay safe and take care of yourselves and others, and have a relaxing holiday break.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• December 10, 2021: COVID end-of-semester update
  Dear Willamette community,

  We hope this message finds you well as the semester comes to a close and we prepare to ring in a new year. Before we head off for winter break we’d like to share this end-of-semester update.
  
  Summary of the Semester
  First of all, thank you for your diligence and thoughtfulness in protecting the wellbeing of our campus communities throughout the pandemic. While we did have positive cases on both our Salem and Portland campuses (50 in Salem and 4 in Portland), we did not experience any large spread of infections, which is due in large part to your adherence to our campus’ COVID mitigation policies and measures. Bishop Wellness Center provided testing to more than 300 students with COVID-related symptoms over the course of the Fall 2021 semester, with a positivity rate of 5.9%. Bishop also tested nearly 500 students without symptoms who were identified as a “close contact” through our case investigation efforts, with a positivity rate of 1.3%.

  These low positivity rates are also reflective of the fact that we are a fully-vaccinated campus, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  
  COVID Booster
  With the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, we currently recommend that all vaccinated students, staff, and faculty receive a booster shot if they are eligible - note that everyone over the age of 18 is currently eligible to receive a booster at six months or more after their initial series. We continue to monitor the variant and related guidance closely, and will make a decision about requiring the booster should the need arise.
  
  Face Covering Policy
  We continue to require face coverings indoors in all Willamette facilities regardless of vaccination status. 
  
  Masks are no longer required in outdoor settings, which is in line with the state's recent decision to rescind its outdoor mask mandate. Wearing masks is still strongly recommended for people at higher risk from COVID, such as people who are elderly, immunocompromised, or those who haven’t been vaccinated. Masks are also still recommended for people in crowded, outdoor settings with extended close contact. 
  

  Again, we want to extend a huge thank you to the entire Willamette community for doing everything possible to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID. We hope you have a safe, healthy and restful holiday and a very happy new year.
  

  Sincerely,
  
  COVID Advisory Team
• November 23, 2021: Updated visitor and spectator policies

  Dear Willamette community,

  We’re writing to provide you with an important update to our visitor and spectator policy.

  Starting December 1, Willamette will begin accepting negative PCR tests or proof of vaccination for entrance to campus events. The negative PCR test must have been taken within 72 hours of attendance at the event. This new policy will apply to all indoor and outdoor athletic competitions; visitors to the Hallie Ford Museum; attendees at theatre performances and concerts; and attendees of other events held on campus or sponsored by Willamette faculty, staff, or students.

  The test must be a SARS-CoV2 viral test (either nucleic acid amplificaiton test [NAAT], including polymerase chain reaction [PCR], or antigen test). Antibody tests (also known as rapid tests) and at-home tests will not be accepted.

  The test result must be in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy) and include the name of the attendee. Children under age 12 do not need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test. Masking requirements remain unchanged at this time.

  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at covid-advisory-group@willamette.edu.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• October 13, 2021: COVID visitor and spectator policies

  Dear Willamette community,

  We’re writing to provide you with important clarification and updates regarding our visitor and spectator policies.

  Updated Visitor and Spectator Policies

  The following outlines our updated visitor and spectator policy:

  • All campus visitors are required to show proof of vaccination to attend on-campus events. This includes: attendees at all indoor athletic competitions in addition to entry to all football, lacrosse, and soccer competitions, visitors to the Hallie Ford Museum, theatre performances, concerts, and other events held on campus or sponsored by Willamette faculty, staff, or students involving off-campus guests. Campus event organizers are required to check vaccination status of event guests.
  • Negative tests are not accepted in lieu of proof of vaccination.
  • A visitor is defined as an individual who is not a Willamette or CST student, faculty member, staff member, volunteer, contractor, or vendor approved to be present on campus at this time.
  • All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask while on campus. Exceptions to this requirement may be made for guest speakers or lecturers whose vaccination status has been affirmed by the university host.

  Event Policies

  Please review the Event Guidelines located on Willamette's COVID information page.

  Events and gatherings are subject to a 25-person limit for external guests. For events that may have more than 25 external guests, there is a form and process in place for reviewing and approving these events. To ensure necessary internal review and approval, the form is accessible to Vice Presidents and Deans who can authorize event planners to complete following their approval.

  If an event will have less than 25 external guests (non-Willamette student, faculty, or staff) in attendance, no exception form is required.

  When to apply for an exception:

  • If there will be more than 25 external guests being invited or planning to attend an event.
  • If external guests will be present, and food and beverage will be served as part of the programming.

  Things to consider:

  • If an event is seeking an exception to the limit on external guests, coordinators should be able to provide a good reason for the request and mitigation measures and accommodations for the number planned to attend.

  Submitted requests for events involving 25 or more outside guests will receive an approval or denial response within a week. Based on the information provided, we may offer approvals with specific guidance on how to proceed.

  We greatly appreciate your understanding of and adherence to these updated policies, and for helping to protect the health and safety of our campuses and broader community.

  Campus Cases

  Since August 1, we have identified 36 total confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Salem and Portland campuses, as indicated on the current COVID dashboard. Based on community feedback, we have also added a dashboard archive to track the progression of cases on campus. In all cases, the individuals were instructed to isolate promptly after the positive test result was received and close contacts were identified and advised of next steps.

  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at covid-advisory-group@willamette.edu.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• October 7, 2021: COVID reporting and contact tracing protocols

  Dear Willamette faculty and staff,

  We understand that because of the important role you play in the lives of our students, you are often the first people to find out when a student tests positive for COVID. Given your role, and based on some of the questions we’ve received recently, we thought it would be useful to detail how we identify close contacts and determine who needs to be tested.

  The following is a description of how we identify and support close contacts:

  • The student who tests positive completes a COVID CARE Report, which includes questions about their close contacts.
  • We use the CDC definition of a close contact to determine who should be tested, which is someone who was within six (6) feet of a person infected with COVID for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes) regardless of masks starting 2 days before symptom onset or positive test (if asymptomatic). If a person does not meet this definition, the person is not considered a close contact and will not be contacted.
  • The process of identifying close contacts of confirmed cases among students is overseen by Tori Ruiz, the Student CARE Manager in Student Affairs. Our first call is from one of our contact tracers to the student who tested positive to see if they need any support with isolation, food delivery, or the pivot to remote attendance. We then work with the student to see who may fit the above description of a close contact and determine if they need to be quarantined. For example, we may ask:

  - “What about lunches and hanging out with your friends or family?”

  - “Can you tell me a little more about your classes and how they are structured?”

  - “What did you do that evening?”

  - “What buildings on campus were you in, and whom did you interact with?”

  - “What clubs or organizations meetings did you attend?”

  - “Are you on an athletic team and did you practice?”

  - “Are you in a theatre or music group?”

  • If the student was in class during the period they were contagious (i.e., two days prior to the onset of symptoms or a positive test result), then the contact tracer will contact relevant faculty members to assist in further identifying close contacts. The faculty member is only being asked to provide information: they are not expected to do anything else at this point and, accordingly, the class does not need to go remote and faculty should not communicate this to other students.
  • We then start notifying the close contacts, beginning with any unvaccinated close contacts, because they need to quarantine immediately. Vaccinated close contacts without any symptoms do not have to quarantine and can continue to attend classes. Those who are unvaccinated are at higher risk and need to immediately quarantine for 14 days regardless of test results.
  • All close contacts, regardless of vaccination status, should be tested 3-5 days after exposure, not earlier. Testing outside of this window increases the chances of a false negative. Student close contacts are provided information about how to access on-campus testing.
  • Those who are not identified as a close contact do not have to quarantine or be tested, and will not be notified.

  To be sure, finding out about a positive case on campus can be stressful and cause us to believe we have been exposed, but often that is not the case. Directing others to get tested who have not been identified as close contacts can have adverse effects on testing capacities and our ability to serve ill students.
  
  We are thus requesting that Willamette faculty and staff do not direct other faculty members, staff members, or students to get tested for COVID, unless they are advised to do so by our contact tracers or public health officials. All members of the Willamette community who need to be tested are being identified and notified promptly.

  We greatly appreciate your understanding of and adherence to this request, and for helping to protect the health and safety of our campuses and broader community.

  You can track the status of COVID cases on Willamette’s campuses via our online dashboard, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at covid-advisory-group@willamette.edu.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• October 1, 2021: COVID Update

  Dear Willamette community,

  Now that the fall semester is well underway, we write to provide you with a campus update from the COVID-19 Advisory Team.

  Vaccinations

  At this time, about 97% of the Willamette community have attested to being fully vaccinated.

  State Cases

  In Oregon, it appears that we are seeing a slight flattening of cases. Modeling indicates that this gradual decrease should continue with adherence to mitigation strategies. Hospitals are still under strain and experts are projecting that it will be a while before hospitalizations return to more manageable levels.

  Campus Cases

  Since August 1, we have identified 29 total confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Salem and Portland campuses, as indicated on the COVID Dashboard. In all cases, the individuals were instructed to isolate promptly after the positive test result was received and close contacts were identified and advised of next steps.

  Based on the information we have, our adherence to the current public health guidance appears to be effective in preventing transmission in our classrooms.

  Mitigation Reminders

  While we understand that being back together makes us crave normalcy and a return to pre-pandemic life, we must emphasize the importance of being vigilant in keeping ourselves and each other safe, especially as the Delta variant continues to affect both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. The importance of effective use of face coverings has been underscored by this variant and we continue to require the use of face coverings indoors, with very limited exceptions.

  While we may be weary of them, the mitigation strategies we have in place are making it possible for us to be together, and disregarding public health guidelines could result in setting us back.

  Notification of Cases

  We continue to report all confirmed incidents of COVID-19 in our community on the COVID-19 dashboard, found at the top of our COVID information page. The COVID dashboard is a way to provide consolidated information about confirmed cases in the community. As a reminder, anyone meeting the definition of a close contact is notified through our contact tracing process and is provided appropriate support services. As noted in a previous communications, we have discontinued the practice of sending campus-wide emails for each confirmed case because reaching out directly to close contacts combined with providing information on confirmed cases on the dashboard is the most effective way to provide the appropriate level of information and support. We are open to feedback on ways we can improve the dashboard so it can provide more useful information for members of our community.

  We hope you will agree that, so far this fall, it has been remarkable to experience the energy on our campuses and to feel the enthusiasm of being together in community. We can continue to get through this pandemic if we stay committed to acting responsibly to protect the health and safety of our campuses and broader communities.

  If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the COVID-19 Advisory Group at covid-advisory-group@willamette.edu.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• September 1, 2021: COVID-19 Policy and Health Reminders

  As COVID-19 mitigation strategies have evolved in the last few months, we have shared many emails with updated guidance and policies. Although mild breakthrough cases of COVID are expected to occur, the vaccine continues to show that it prevents most serious illness in addition to reducing spread. The rise in breakthrough cases is a reminder that even though our campuses’ high vaccination rates are allowing us to return to in-person experiences, this pandemic is not over.

  More comprehensive information about Willamette’s COVID policies can be found on the University COVID-19 Information page. Below is a summary of current guidance and policies.

  Requirements

  State Requirements

  Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has instituted a statewide order that requires everyone to wear masks in all indoor public spaces and in most public outdoor settings regardless of vaccination status.

  The state outdoor requirement exists where individuals from different households are unable to consistently maintain physical distance. The rule does not apply to fleeting encounters such as walking past another individual on a path or in a park, or to individuals who are actively eating, drinking, or sleeping, playing or practicing competitive sports, delivering a speech, or engaged in activities where it is not feasible to wear a mask, such as swimming.

  Willamette University Requirements

  Masks

  On all Willamette campuses, all community members and visitors to campus must adhere to state masking rules. Masks are required indoors in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, lounges, and all public spaces in campus buildings and outdoors where distancing is not easily possible. Masks are required outdoors on campus consistent with state guidance.

  Masks are not required to be worn in individuals’ own private office, residence hall room, or university apartment, or when actively eating or drinking. If unmasked in a private room the door should be closed.

  Roommates will need to negotiate mask agreements for visitors in private university residences. Barring such agreements between roommates, visitors to private university residences are required to wear masks.

  Events

  Proof of vaccination is required for visitors to any Willamette campus, including exhibits, guest lecturers. spectators at performances, and indoor and stadium athletic events. Attendees will need to show either their Willamette University ID card or proof of vaccination for entry to all football, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball games as well as the Hallie Ford Museum, Hatfield Library, theatre performances, concerts and other events involving off-campus guests.

  Monitoring Symptoms, Testing, Reporting, and Isolating

  Everyone is encouraged to monitor their health daily for possible COVID-19 symptoms. Students who are experiencing symptoms should not attend class and should get tested. Testing for students is available in the Bishop Wellness Center for students who are experiencing COVID symptoms or who were identified as a close contact by a medical, public health, or university official. Information about additional testing options within the Salem and Portland areas for employees or students can be found here.

  If a student tests positive for COVID, students are required to report this to the university by completing the COVID-19 Student CARE Report. A university staff member will follow up to establish a CARE plan with the impacted student and potential close contacts.

  If a student tests negative for COVID and is still experiencing symptoms, they should talk with their doctor about appropriate next steps. We would always encourage students to prioritize their health and take steps to reduce community spread of illness.

  Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 report form.

  Regardless of vaccination status, individuals testing positive for COVID are required to isolate themselves from others for at least 10 days post symptom onset, and are without fever for 24 hours, and other symptoms of COVID are improving. More information about isolation and quarantine guidelines can be found here.

  Guidelines for Close Contacts

  Fully Vaccinated Close Contacts

  This is where the biggest difference has occurred in COVID mitigation since vaccines have become available. The current guidelines for fully vaccinated people state that if you are a close contact (within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period) of someone with confirmed COVID-19, and you remain symptom free:

  • You do not generally need to quarantine
  • However, you do need to wear a mask and
  • Get tested 3-5 days after exposure.
  • If you test positive, you must isolate yourself immediately.

  If at any point a fully vaccinated person develops symptoms after being identified as a close contact to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, the person should get tested and should quarantine until they receive a negative test result, and wear a mask for 14 days.

  Unvaccinated Close Contacts

  If you are not fully vaccinated, and are identified as a close contact of someone with confirmed COVID-19, you must quarantine for 14 days immediately and be tested 3-5 days after exposure. Public health authorities may use their discretion to adjust these guidelines after a negative test and no symptoms.

  Caregivers of a Household member with COVID

  If you are a caregiver for someone ill at home with COVID, the current guidance suggests the caregiver should quarantine and test 3-5 days after exposure, even if vaccinated and even without symptoms.

  Looking Forward

  We will continue to actively monitor the changing public health guidance and remain in regular contact with our public health colleagues at the local, county, and state level. We will continue to communicate any changes we are able to make or required to make as we learn them. As the fall progresses it is our hope that the situation will improve and we will be able to relax more of the protocols we have in place. The health and safety of our campus depends on everyone in our community coming together and doing their part. Thank you for your commitment to our community’s wellbeing.

• August 26, 2021: Updates to COVID case communications, masking and event spectator policies

  Dear Willamette Community,

  We write to provide you with updates regarding our COVID case communications, masking and event spectator policies.

  COVID Case Communications

  We will no longer send a separate communication for each confirmed case. Instead, there will be a dashboard on our COVID website by the end of this week that will be updated as cases are confirmed that will be broken down by the campus and affected population (students, employees, contractors). We will continue to communicate with close campus contacts of any individual who tests positive for COVID as well as notify affected employees (those who worked in the same facility or in the same well-defined portion of the facility such as a particular floor) that an individual who was present in the facility has confirmed COVID-19, per OSHA’s requirements.

  During these initial weeks of the semester, as students and others return to our campuses -- in some cases from areas with high community transmission -- it is particularly important that we continue to be vigilant by maintaining masking, social distancing, and hand washing protocols to help ensure that the academic year gets off to as safe and healthy start as possible.

  Masking Policy

  Gov. Brown announced that, effective Friday, August 27, masks will be required in most public outdoor settings — regardless of vaccination status — where physical distancing is not possible.

  According to a new rule, masks are required in all outdoor settings where individuals from different households are unable to consistently maintain physical distance. The rule does not apply to fleeting encounters such as walking past another individual on a path or in a park, or to individuals who are actively eating, drinking, or sleeping, playing or practicing competitive sports, delivering a speech, or engaged in activities where it is not feasible to wear a mask, such as swimming.

  Willamette expects all community members and visitors to campus to adhere to state masking rules, and strongly encourages outdoor mask use whenever feasible, even when not mandated by the state.

  Event Spectator Policy

  As an additional precaution during this period of high community transmission of the Delta variant, our spectator policy for athletic competitions has been updated to require either a Willamette University ID card or proof of vaccination for entry to all football, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball games at least through September 30. We will also require proof of vaccination for visitors to enter Hallie Ford Museum, Hatfield Library, theatre performances, concerts and other events involving off-campus guests.

  The health and safety of our campus depends on everyone in our community coming together and doing their part. Thank you in advance for your partnership.

  Sincerely,
  Willamette University COVID Advisory Team

• August 11, 2021: Updated face covering policy

  Dear Willamette Community,

  Today, Gov. Brown announced that Oregon will require masks in indoor public spaces starting this Friday, August 13 due to a significant rise in new cases and transmission rates of COVID-19 in the state. This order will apply to everyone five years and older.

  This order supersedes Willamette’s previously released guidance for all of our campuses. Effective this Friday, face coverings are required indoors in all of Willamette’s facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Private offices and residence hall rooms or university apartments are not considered public spaces. However, if you are meeting with someone in your office, it is required that everyone in the office wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings can be removed when alone in a private office, or residence hall room or university apartment, or in an area designed for eating and drinking.

  Physical distancing is not required, however, individuals are encouraged to maintain distance when possible, especially when eating or if not fully vaccinated.

  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep our community safe from the continued impacts of COVID-19.

  Sincerely,
  COVID Advisory Team

• June 22, 2021: Updated face covering policy

  Dear Campus Community,

  We hope that you are enjoying the slower pace of our summer campus and are taking some time for restful and restorative summer activities.

  With COVID-19 case counts falling thanks in large part to growing numbers of people getting vaccinated, federal and state guidance regarding coronavirus restrictions have been changing and most will be lifted in Oregon once the state reaches its goal of 70% of adults vaccinated.

  We write with an updated campus policy regarding face coverings and social distancing. Effective today, Willamette University students and employees are not required to wear face coverings indoors or socially distance while on campus provided the following conditions are met:

  1. the student or employee has been fully-vaccinated. “Fully-vaccinated” means you have received both doses of an FDA-approved two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of an FDA-approved single-dose vaccine and at least 14 days have passed since your final dose; and,
  2. the student or employee has provided their vaccination information through either Bishop Wellness Center’s patient portal for students or Workday for employees.
     If the above requirements are not met, students and employees must continue to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

  This policy change will apply to visitors to campus who show proof of full vaccination. Visitors should be directed to the Service Center (7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., M-F) to get their vaccination status verified. Once they are verified, they will receive a wristband to wear for the duration of their time on campus. If visitors do not show proof of full vaccination, they should continue to wear face coverings when indoors while they are on campus.

  Instructions on providing vaccine information to the university can be found on Willamette’s Vaccine Policy webpage. As a reminder, all employees and students must provide proof of vaccination by July 19 and July 22, respectively, unless an exemption has been approved.

  This modification of our face-covering guidance is the latest indicator that a return to full in-person operations in the fall is well within our reach. We thank you for your continued support and dedication.

  Sincerely,

  Carol Long, Senior Vice President and Provost

  Dan Valles, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

• May 25, 2021: Masking guidelines and visitor policies

  Dear Campus Community,

  There have been rapid changes to COVID mitigation guidelines from the CDC and Oregon Health Authority in recent weeks. On May 13, the CDC relaxed its masking guidelines for people who have been vaccinated. On May 18, the OHA provided statewide mask guidance that varied from the CDC’s guidelines. At the same time, Willamette must continue to comply with the more complex and restrictive guidelines for workplaces, which do not follow the CDC and OHA guidance. All these guidelines and requirements have caused some understandable confusion.

  The following provides clarification for our campus operations in light of this confusion. This guidance is effective immediately and will be in place until you are notified of an official change in Willamette policy, regardless of any guidance that may be communicated by the CDC or OHA:

  Masks on campus (applies to those who are vaccinated or unvaccinated

  • Outdoors – Masks are not required outdoors on campus as long as people maintain 6’ of physical distancing and are not in a large outdoor gathering
  • Indoors - Masks are required indoors unless you are in a private workspace

  Guest and visitor policy

  • Outdoor spaces on campus will be open to visitors but buildings will remain closed except to those who are here on official university business and with prior approval.
  • Guests and visitors are not required to wear masks outdoors but are required to wear them indoors.

  We are adopting this simple and universal approach to provide clarity to the campus community while ensuring compliance with Oregon requirements. We will provide updates to this policy as the situation and federal and state guidelines evolve.

  Finally, as we continue to move rapidly to be aligned with CDC guidelines, the ROC is now on hiatus and this email address will be disabled. If you have questions about COVID-related guidance, please bring them up with your department or division leader or, you can contact Human Resources at hr@willamette.edu.

  Thank you for your continued cooperation, flexibility, and commitment to the well-being of all members of our campus community.

  We look forward to seeing you all on campus soon.

  Sincerely,
  Reopening Operations Committee

• May 12, 2021: Reopening Operations Committee update

  Thank you!

  We appreciate you and hope you have a wonderful summer. 

  See you in the fall, Bearcats!

• May 7, 2021: Reopening Operations Committee update

  Next week will be the final Weekly Update from the Reopening Operations Committee for the academic year.

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • CAS Open House proposals
  • Vaccine requirement attestation process for students, faculty, and staff
  • Marion County’s return to “High Risk” status

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Vaccine Attestation Process

  Students, faculty and staff all received messages this week with directions to submit their vaccination information. Thank you to everyone that has already provided this information.

  Faculty and staff are required to provide confirmation of vaccination by July 19. Confirmation of vaccination should be entered in Workday, including the brand of vaccine and vaccine administration dates. The process of entering vaccine confirmation takes just a few minutes. Follow the steps outlined in this Job Aid for Workday.

  Exemptions can be requested for medical reasons, which requires a certification from a healthcare provider, or non-medical reasons (e.g., religious accommodations). Faculty and staff seeking an exemption must submit requests on or before June 15, 2021. To request an exemption, please visit the HR website.

  Students must attest to their COVID vaccination through Bishop Wellness Center’s confidential and secure student portal by July 22nd, 2021. To enter the required vaccine information:

  • Login to the Patient Portal
  • Click on “Immunizations” at the top of the screen
  • Click on “Enter Dates” and follow the directions to enter the dates of your COVID vaccine.

  Students can request a medical or non-medical exemption (e.g. religious) from Bishop Wellness Center. Anyone seeking a medical or non-medical exemption will be required to provide sufficient information to support the request.

  Thank you for doing your part to keep the Willamette community healthy and thriving.

  WU Well U Agreement to end on Monday, May 17th, 2021

  We are coming to the end of the semester and will soon transition into summer operations. This shift coincides with changing public health guidance in response to a growing population of vaccinated people in Oregon and across the nation. As such, the WU Well U Agreement will end on Monday, May 17th; the day after commencement. Willamette will still be accountable to all relevant capacity limits, mask guidelines, and sector guidance from the Oregon Health Authority throughout the summer and beyond.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• May 5, 2021: Transitioning back to campus

  Dear Colleagues,

  We know that as summer approaches there are many questions about what work will look like as we prepare for the resumption of operations for Fall 2021. We hope the following information is helpful as you plan for the transition back to campus.

  Transitioning back to campus

  We want to acknowledge that many of our colleagues have been working on campus throughout the pandemic teaching and supporting our students and keeping our buildings and technology running. As mentioned in Pres. Thorsett’s March 31 Words from Waller, we expect that by summer, all departments and offices will return to in-person operations. Willamette’s recently-announced COVID-19 vaccine requirement enhances our ability to return to a more vibrant campus experience while protecting the health and safety of our community.

  While we look forward to returning to regular campus operations, we understand that employees may need time to coordinate before making the full transition back to work. We are planning for a phased return to full in-person operations for staff starting from Monday, May 24, through Monday, August 2, 2021. Division leaders will determine specific return dates for their employees which will be dictated by department and institutional operational needs, but we will expect all staff to return to work by August 2.

  Faculty will be expected to return to campus as specified in faculty contracts.

  Vaccination requirement

  As noted in our message to you last month, all students, faculty, and staff will be expected to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Any vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. is acceptable.

  We will follow the CDC guidance in defining who is considered fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. The day of your final dose is Day Zero. 14 days after that, you are considered fully vaccinated.

  Faculty and staff are required to provide confirmation of vaccination by July 19, to ensure employees are fully vaccinated by August 2, 2021. Confirmation of vaccination should be entered in Workday, including the brand of vaccine and vaccine administration dates. The process of entering vaccine confirmation takes just a few minutes. Follow the steps outlined in this Job Aid for Workday.

  Exemptions can be requested for medical reasons, which requires a certification from a healthcare provider, or non-medical reasons (e.g., religious accommodations). Faculty and staff seeking an exemption must submit requests on or before June 15, 2021. To request an exemption, please visit the HR website.

  More information about Willamette’s vaccine requirement can be found in these FAQs.

  Continued mitigation measures

  Over the past several weeks, ROC and the leadership team have been discussing the university’s needs as we move toward an in-person fall semester. Given the current public health landscape, current federal, state, and regional guidelines on mask requirements and other safety measures will remain in effect. We do not know what mitigation measures, including social distancing in the classrooms, will be required in the fall but we will update and communicate any changes to guidelines as we get more information from the CDC and the Oregon Health Authority as the summer progresses.

  Flexible work policies for staff

  The past year has taught us a lot about the benefits and challenges of remote work. Division leadership has been considering allowing for some remote work days, where appropriate, for staff who have job duties that allow them to successfully work from home as we transition back to in-person operations. More information will be shared by division leaders in the coming weeks.

  Summer Hours

  Finally, we are pleased to announce that, starting on Monday, May 17, Willamette University will start summer hours for university offices. Offices will close for business at 4:30 p.m. instead of at 5 p.m. Regular office hours resume on Monday, August 16.
  
  Although we were able to make the transition to remote and hybrid learning out of necessity, the pandemic has reinforced to us the value of face-to-face interaction and that being in-person enhances the student experience and learning environment. We are excited to see our campus energized and full of life again and look forward to seeing everyone soon.

  Sincerely,
  ROC

• April 30, 2021: Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • County Risk Levels
  • Commencement
  • Residence hall move out process

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Marion County Moves back to “Extreme Risk” Effective Today

  Governor Brown announced this week that Marion County will move back into the Extreme Risk category starting Friday, April 30th. This has a few important implications for campus.

  Events, gatherings & classes:

  • Planned or organized outdoor events will allow a maximum of 100 people, with an 11 pm closing time, including spectators at athletic events
  • Planned or organized indoor events will have a 6-person limit regardless of the size of the space being used.
  • Informal (unplanned) outdoor social gatherings have a 6-person limit, (down from 8) in High Risk.
  • Indoor social gatherings still have a 6 person limit.
  • In person classes have a maximum capacity of 25 people, including the instructor(s).

  Goudy & the Fitness Center:

  • Goudy will return to “Grab and Go” only: no indoor dining will be permitted.
  • The Fitness Center is adapting the new state guidelines, which permit a maximum of 6 people within the space at a time, by returning to an appointment-only model. Students may book 45- minute workout times during open hours, beginning Friday, April 30th and running through Friday, May 7th, when the fitness center closes for the summer. More information is on the way regarding the sign-up process and new updated guidelines. Please be aware that you will not be able to access the fitness center unless you have a scheduled appointment.

  Governor Brown stated that these health and safety restrictions will be evaluated weekly rather than bi-weekly, though the state is not forecasting any significant case count reductions in the short term. More information about county risk levels and capacity limits can be found here.

  OHA Announces Changes to Quarantine Guidelines

  In response to rising case rates and hospitalizations across Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority announced this week that they are re-establishing a full 14 day quarantine period for people who are not fully vaccinated following a close contact exposure to COVID.

  Mask Guidance Update

  The Oregon Health Authority is working to align their outdoor mask guidance to align with the recent changes announced by the CDC. Willamette will provide any updates to the campus wide mask policy as they are developed.

  Commencement Update

  As was shared earlier this week with our community, Marion County’s move back to the Extreme Risk category re-imposes a range of limitations on activities, including event size limits, that will unfortunately make gathering in person for Commencement impossible.

  The virtual Commencement ceremonies will take place as planned on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the following times:

  • 9:00 a.m. – Atkinson Graduate School of Management
  • 11:30 a.m. – College of Law
  • 2:30 p.m. – College of Arts and Sciences

  A streaming link for each ceremony will be shared soon. The full text of the message sent to campus can be found here.

  Cases

  We reported two new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• April 23, 2021: Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • Vaccination Requirement for the 2021-2022 Academic Year
  • County Public Health Update
  • Review of several end of the year proposals

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Vaccine Requirement Update

  This week, we announced that all community members are required to be fully vaccinated before the start of the Fall 2021 semester. We are announcing this policy well in advance of the Fall semester so that members of our community students have the opportunity to gather information, consult with their medical providers if they so choose, and make informed choices for themselves. More information, including some FAQ’s will be coming shortly.

  For those that are interested, The Chronicle of Higher Education maintains an updated and growing list of schools requiring the COVID vaccine of students, staff, or both.

  Information on How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon can be found at this website.

  You can also use the Get Vaccinated Oregon (GVO) tool to tell you if you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine in Oregon. If you are not yet eligible, it will enable you to set up text or email notifications to be notified when you become eligible. Once you are eligible, this tool will also help you find a vaccine provider or vaccination event near you. Sign up today!

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• April 21, 2021: Vaccination requirements for students, faculty, and staff

  Dear Willamette Community,

  We write to share news of our plans to welcome back all members of our community to our campus this fall.

  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Willamette has worked to ensure our community’s health and safety by implementing a number of mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In support of our continued commitment to protecting the members of our community, we have developed a COVID-19 Vaccine Policy which requires, with limited exceptions, that all students, faculty, and staff planning to work or attend Willamette in the Fall 2021 semester must be fully vaccinated by the date they return to campus. This includes full-time and part-time students, undergraduates and graduate students, and residential and non-residential students.

  In the coming days, employees and students will receive communications with additional information and further details on providing vaccination confirmation and requesting medical or non-medical exemptions.

  Vaccine supply limitations have not allowed Willamette University to distribute the vaccine. You can access the vaccine by doing the following:

  • Go to the CDC’s vaccine location webpage, which includes search boxes for state health departments and the national Vaccine Finder website; or
  • Go directly to the national Vaccine Finder website, which will direct you to relevant locations in your vicinity; or,
  • Go to your state’s health department website and search for “COVID-19 vaccination” to see options; or,
  • Ask your personal health provider.

  Willamette was able to remain open throughout the pandemic because of our community’s care for one another. The WellWU Agreement affirmed our shared responsibility to one another and now, we have the opportunity to come together again to demonstrate our strength, resilience, and sense of community. Thank you very much for your patience, cooperation, and understanding during this challenging year.

  Sincerely,
  Reopening Operations Committee

• April 15, 2021: Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • Student organization and club proposals
  • Athletic spectator guidelines
  • Updated eligibility guidance from OHA

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Admissions Tours

  As was announced earlier in the semester, students and families are allowed on campus for authorized tours accompanied by admissions guides or athletic coaches. As was communicated in early March, we have extended this touring permission to include entrance into academic buildings, the University Center, Goudy, Montag and Sparks as part of these tours.

  Vaccine Update

  This week, the CDC and the Oregon Health Authority recommended a pause in the use of the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine pending further investigation into reported adverse side effects. The impact on Oregon’s vaccine distribution schedule is still unfolding. We continue to urge staff, faculty, and students to get the vaccine wherever they can.

  While Bishop Wellness Center has been approved as a vaccination site for students since mid-March, we unfortunately do not anticipate receiving any vaccine shipments before graduation. The Oregon Health Authority and local health departments continue to prioritize large scale distribution hubs; hospitals, fairgrounds, chain pharmacies, etc.

  Additionally, we’ve learned that many community vaccination sites offering Moderna and Pfizer (2 dose series) are requiring people to get their second shots at the same location in order to be eligible for the first shot. This is an important consideration for students who might not be in Oregon at the time of their scheduled second shot. Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine, but availability varies by location and week.

  Information on How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon can be found at this website:

  You can also use the Get Vaccinated Oregon (GVO) tool to tell you if you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine in Oregon. If you are not yet eligible, it will enable you to set up text or email notifications to be notified when you become eligible. Once you are eligible, this tool will also help you find a vaccine provider or vaccination event near you. Sign up today!

  Cases

  We reported one new case in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• April 9, 2021: Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • Student organization and club proposals
  • Athletic spectator guidelines
  • Updated eligibility guidance from OHA

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Employee COVID Vaccine Clinic Update

  As communicated earlier this week, we have learned that our vendor is experiencing an unanticipated interruption in their expected delivery and supply of vaccines. Because of this, we may not be able to offer an on-campus vaccination clinic. We urge you to get a vaccine wherever you can, with the understanding that the process of securing an appointment can be uneven across counties and locations.

  OHA Announces all Oregonians 16 and older eligible for the vaccine on 4/19/21

  The Oregon Health Authority announced this week that all Oregonians 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 19th. More information about eligibility can be found here.

  While Bishop Wellness Center has been approved as a vaccination site for students since mid-March, we unfortunately do not anticipate receiving any vaccine shipments before graduation. The Oregon Health Authority and local health departments continue to prioritize large scale distribution hubs; hospitals, fairgrounds, chain pharmacies, etc. As such, interested students should get the vaccine wherever they can. We will of course continue to monitor the supply of vaccines as it develops.

  Additionally, we’ve learned that many community vaccination sites offering Moderna and Pfizer (2 dose series) are requiring people to get their second shots at the same location in order to be eligible for the first shot. This is an important consideration for students who might not be in Oregon at the time of their scheduled second shot. Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine, but availability varies by location and week.

  Information on How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon can be found at this website.

  You can also use the Get Vaccinated Oregon (GVO) tool to tell you if you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine in Oregon. If you are not yet eligible, it will enable you to set up text or email notifications to be notified when you become eligible. Once you are eligible, this tool will also help you find a vaccine provider or vaccination event near you. Sign up today!

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• April 7, 2021: Important updates about the vaccination clinic & eligibility

  Dear Willamette employees:

  We write with an important follow-up to our earlier message about planning an employee COVID vaccine clinic on campus. We have learned that our vendor is experiencing an unanticipated interruption in their expected delivery and supply of vaccines. Because of this, we are not yet able to offer definitive dates for an on-campus vaccination clinic.

  We will continue to monitor the availability of the vaccine with our vendor and will keep our community updated. In the interim, we urge you to get a vaccine wherever you can, with the understanding that the process of securing an appointment can be uneven across counties and locations.

  Additionally, in response to guidance from the federal government, the Oregon Health Authority announced this week that all Oregonians 16 and older will be eligible for the vaccine on April 19th. More information about eligibility can be found here.

  While Bishop Wellness Center has been approved as a vaccination site for students since mid-March, we unfortunately do not anticipate receiving any vaccine sent to us by OHA before graduation. Interested students should get the vaccine wherever they can. We will of course continue to monitor the supply of vaccines as it develops.

  Information on How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon can be found at this website.

  You can also use the Get Vaccinated Oregon (GVO). It will enable you to set up text or email notifications to be notified when you become eligible and will help you find a vaccine provider or vaccination event near you. Sign up today!

  Sincerely,
  The Reopening Operations Committee

• April 1, 2021: Time to roll up your sleeves - COVID-19 vaccines available to Willamette employees

  Dear Willamette employees:

  University faculty, staff, and student employees are classified as “frontline workers” in the state’s vaccine sequencing, and — along with others in Group 7 of Phase 1B — are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as of yesterday in Marion County. While we encourage you to get the vaccine wherever you find availability, we are pleased to announce that Willamette University is working with an external vendor to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for employees.

  Information about the clinic date, registration process, and other details will be available soon. Employees who sign up will need to commit to accepting whichever vaccine is made available and must be available 28 days later to receive the second booster shot. At this time, we do not know which vaccine the vendor will provide. If it is Moderna or Pfizer, the vendor will return to campus to provide the second shot at the necessary time; the Johnson & Johnson is a one-shot vaccine, so no second visit would be necessary. At this time, we cannot accommodate spouses, partners, or other family members.

  There is no cost to employees for the vaccine. The vendor will bill insurance companies directly. Students who are not employees are not eligible for vaccination under the State of Oregon’s criteria at this time. All persons 16 years of age and older are expected to become eligible to receive the vaccine no later than May 1.

  Willamette University is committed to protecting the health and wellness of our community. We are delighted to have this opportunity to offer access to vaccines for our employees, to prepare for our return to in-person classes and activities in the fall.

  Sincerely,
  ROC

   

• April 1, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • End of semester plans/requirements
  • Vaccination eligibility timeline
  • Academic music proposals
  • Commencement regalia distribution

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  No quiet period at end of semester

  We will not be requiring a quiet period at the end of the spring semester as we did in the fall and at the start of the semester. We do not feel it is necessary, given the comparative reduction in cases and wider availability of vaccines for most across the state and country.

  Cases

  We reported one new case in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• March 29, 2021: New updates to Oregon's vaccination eligibility timeline

  Dear community,

  We write to provide you the most recent information we have about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Oregon. Late last week, Gov. Kate Brown and officials from the Oregon Health Authority announced an expedited timeline for the state’s vaccination sequencing due to increased allocation from the federal government. As of this week, Marion county was approved to move up their timeline for eligible groups.

  Beginning March 26th, adults 45–64 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk from COVID-19 infection (Group 6 of Phase 1b) became eligible for vaccination.

  University employees are referenced as part of Group 7 of Phase 1b, which includes “frontline workers as defined by the CDC,” who will now be eligible to be vaccinated as early as April 5th.

  No later than May 1, Phase 2 of vaccinations will begin for all Oregonians 16 and over, regardless of occupation or underlying conditions.

  The state has a website on which individuals can determine if they are eligible to receive a vaccine, and register to be notified when they can sign up for an appointment. Please visit Get Vaccinated Oregon for more information. Individuals may also make vaccine appointments when eligible through Salem Health, Walgreens, Rite Aid, or by using the “How to find a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon” page provided by OHA to find vaccination clinics and other resources for setting up an appointment.

  Sincerely,
  ROC

• March 26, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week

  • COVID guidance from HECC
  • State vaccination timeline update

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Expedited timeline for vaccination sequencing in Oregon

  Due to a recent increase in allocation from the federal government, Gov. Kate Brown and officials from the Oregon Health Authority announced an expedited timeline for the state’s vaccination sequencing. As of this week, Marion county was approved to move up their timeline for eligible groups.

  As of last weekend, adults 45–64 with an underlying health condition identified as putting them at higher risk from COVID-19 infection (Group 6 of Phase 1b) are eligible for vaccination in Marion County.

  As we’ve mentioned before, university employees are referenced as part of Group 7 of Phase 1b, which includes “frontline workers as defined by the CDC.” This group will now be eligible to be vaccinated as early as April 19.

  No later than May 1, Phase 2 of vaccinations will begin for all Oregonians 16 and over, regardless of occupation or underlying conditions.

  Additional information and eligibility requirements can be found on the state’s Get Vaccinated Oregon site.

  Presenters and Lecturers for Curricular and Cocurricular Programming

  As mentioned, we continue to revisit Willamette-specific guidelines that are in excess of what is required by the current and evolving public health guidance. Moving forward, ROC will consider proposals to allow lecturers and presenters that contribute to curricular and cocurricular programs to be physically present on campus in accordance with the applicable public health mandates. We will build and share an application process with our community in the coming weeks.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• March 19, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • COVID mitigation survey feedback
  • County public health meeting feedback
  • Updated vaccine eligibility in Oregon

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  All Oregonians 16 and Over will be Eligible for the Vaccine by 5/1/21

  This week the Oregon Health Authority and Governor Brown announced that in response to a dramatic increase in expected vaccine shipments from the federal government, Oregon will be able to meet the vaccine distribution timeline set by President Biden. Specifically, all Oregonians 16 and over will be eligible for the COVID vaccine by May 1st. It is yet unclear if previously set eligibility dates in Oregon will be moved up in response to this new capacity. More general information about the COVID vaccine in Oregon can be found here. To determine when you are eligible and to find a vaccination site near you, please visit Get Vaccinated Oregon.

  Removal of Directional Signage

  We have made the decision to remove the directional signage being used in CAS academic buildings and the UC. Observations of the building use patterns coupled with feedback from the undergraduate community indicated that these signs are no longer needed in these buildings.

  Both Law and AGSM will keep their directional signage in place for the duration of the spring semester and then reassess for the fall.

  Presenters and Lecturers for Curricular and Cocurricular Programming

  As mentioned, we continue to revisit Willamette specific guidelines that are in excess of what is required by the current and evolving public health guidance. Moving forward, ROC will consider proposals to allow lecturers and presenters that contribute to curricular and cocurricular programs to be physically present on campus in accordance with the applicable public health mandates. We will build and share an application process with our community in the coming weeks.

  Mid-Semester Break

  As a reminder, our spring semester schedule has been adapted to omit the traditional week long spring break at the end of March. The intent of this mitigation strategy is to de-incentivize students’ travel to other areas, then back to campus for the remaining month and a half of the semester. As an alternative to the week long spring break there will be a two day mid-semester break on March 25th -26th. Most importantly, we are asking that students not travel during this time, but rather find a way to relax and recuperate without leaving the Salem area.

  If you are planning to leave the state for the break, please remember that the current recommendation from the Oregon Health Authority is to quarantine for 10-14 days upon your return to Oregon, which will impact your ability to attend in-person classes during that time. Not all classes are available for remote attendance, so you will need to plan accordingly.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• March 18, 2021: COVID Mitigation Feedback & Follow-up

  Dear Community,

  We write with an update and some preliminary feedback from the COVID survey sent out last week. First, we want to assure you that Willamette is not abandoning the critically important and county/state mandated mitigation strategies in place including mask wearing, space capacity limits, and physical distancing requirements.

  Second, there remains confusion about campus testing. As a reminder, this semester Willamette is in fact conducting COVID testing. We have implemented a robust surveillance testing program for asymptomatic students through Bishop Wellness Center, in addition to providing diagnostic testing to any student with symptoms or with known exposure. Additional testing is offered to students as supply and schedule allows. As of this writing, no student has tested positive among the hundreds of tests that have been done in Bishop Wellness Center this semester.

  In reviewing the survey responses, clear themes emerged. Many community members expressed worry about loosening any restrictions, while others expressed a desire to loosen some restrictions where we are allowed. Specifically, many students asked us to revisit the policy of not allowing guests from other residence halls or off campus, while others did not want Willamette to host any outside guests, including prospective students in any capacity. As a reminder, all visitors must follow all regional guidance regarding masking and physical distancing throughout their visit. We know these to be effective tools in combating the spread of the virus.

  We understand the concern about moving too quickly to adjust proven mitigation strategies. We have learned much more about the transmission of the virus over the course of this year. We carefully weigh what we have learned with the very real impact of the ongoing challenges of social isolation and activity restrictions that have been required. Any changes to our protocols will be carefully considered, and in compliance with the relevant guidance and rules from local public health officials and designated county risk levels.

  As the public health landscape and guidance evolves in the coming months, your responses will help inform our next steps. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and for your due diligence throughout this year. With the news of the large quantities of vaccinations being supplied to Oregon there is hope that we will be able to reconnect in all the ways that we have missed very soon.

  Sincerely,
  ROC

• March 12, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • Review of emerging public health guidance
  • Clarification of student event guidelines
  • Review of survey results to date
  • Refining guidelines for student tours on campus

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Campus survey reminder

  We appreciate all of the feedback we’ve received so far from our COVID mitigation strategies survey. As we transition into lower risk levels and accordingly adjust our protocols in the coming weeks and months, we are seeking feedback to better understand our community’s priorities in that process. Please take the time to complete this if you haven’t already done so.

  Some early themes in the feedback have emerged that merit some clarification:

  • We are only seeking feedback from our community at the time. Willamette is not abandoning the critically important mitigation strategies in place. Things like mask wearing, space capacity limits, and physical distancing requirements will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.
  • Any changes to our protocols will be carefully considered, and in compliance with the relevant guidance and rules from local public health officials and designated county risk level.
  • There remains some confusion about testing. As a reminder, in addition to providing diagnostic testing to any student with symptoms or those with known exposure, Willamette implemented and continues to offer a robust surveillance testing program for asymptomatic students through Bishop Wellness Center.

  Event guidelines updated for in-person events on campus

  Earlier this week we emailed student leaders of clubs and organizations around updated in-person gathering guidelines that are now in place for events on campus. Due to Marion County’s recent transition from “extreme risk” to “high risk” we are able to apply the Indoor Entertainment Establishment guidelines to any in-person events on campus. This means that groups can now plan programming and events that will allow more students to attend based on the size of the space. Updated capacity allows for 25% of the capacity in any indoor location and up to 75 people for outdoor venues. It’s important to remember that masks are still required for both indoor and outdoor events and distancing measures still apply.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• March 10, 2021: COVID Mitigation Feedback Form

  Dear Community,

  As COVID-19 case counts continue to decline in Oregon, Oregon Health Authority is identifying the counties that meet the necessary metrics to allow them to transition to lower risk levels. As a result, Marion county recently transitioned from “extreme risk” to “high risk”, allowing us to to reassess and update a number of on-campus policies. This included expanding options for admission tours to allow prospective students to enter academic buildings and athletic facilities, broadening event guidelines to allow more than 6 people for both indoor and outdoor in-person events and activities, and opening up lounge areas in the residence halls for up to 6 people.

  With this transition, we will continue to reassess the mitigation strategies and activity limits that are actively in place on campus. As we navigate this reassessment, it is important for us to understand your priorities and which campus protocols and policies you would like to see reviewed.

  As mentioned in President Thorsett’s Words from Waller in late February, we are offering a mechanism for Willamette community members to let the ROC know of their priorities as we begin to loosen our campus COVID-19 mitigation strategies. A Google form is available with the provided link and will be made available on the COVID-19 webpage.

  As a reminder, Willamette remains accountable to the Oregon Health Authority and other governing entities, and any changes made will need to be in compliance with their guidance.

  We look forward to hearing from you.

  Sincerely,
  ROC

   

• March 5, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • Intramurals & club sports guidelines
  • Vaccination updates
  • University sponsored travel
  • Campus tours logistics

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Vaccination updates

  Recently the Oregon Health Authority provided more information around vaccination eligibility for identified groups in Phase 1b. Part of this announcement indicated that university employees are included as part of Group 7 under the identifier of “frontline workers as defined by the CDC” and would be eligible to be vaccinated no later than May 1.

  The definition of a frontline worker includes those who have regular close contact with others outside of their household and who cannot perform their job duties remotely.

  No later than June 1, Phase 2 of vaccinations will begin for all adults aged 45 to 64. All Oregonians 16 and over will be eligible to receive a vaccine no later than July 1.

  The state has a site where individuals can determine if they are eligible to receive a vaccine. Please visit Get Vaccinated Oregon for more information.

  Mid-Semester Break

  As a reminder, our spring semester schedule has been adapted to omit the traditional week long spring break at the end of March. The intent of this mitigation strategy is to de-incentivize students’ travel to other areas, then back to campus for the remaining month and a half of the semester. As an alternative to the week long spring break there will be a two day mid-semester break on March 25th -26th. Most importantly, we are asking that students not travel during this time, but rather find a way to relax and recuperate without leaving the Salem area.

  If you are planning to leave the state for the break, please remember that the current recommendation from the Oregon Health Authority is to quarantine for 10-14 days upon your return to Oregon, which will impact your ability to attend in-person classes during that time.

  Admissions Tours

  As was announced early in the semester, students and families are allowed on campus for authorized tours accompanied by admissions guides or coaches. We have extended this permission to include entrance into academic buildings, the University Center, Goudy, and Sparks.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• March 5, 2021: Double Mask Recommendation

  With the discovery of new and highly transmissible coronavirus variants within the United States, Oregon public health experts are recommending that individuals upgrade or reinforce the cloth masks that have become popular.

  Double masking has not yet become a requirement by federal and local health authorities but it is highly recommended as the new COVID-19 variants travel throughout the state and country.

  You can double your cloth mask with a surgical mask or acquire a 2.5 micron filter to use along with your cloth mask. Importantly, these are recommendations, not requirements, as they are difficult to enforce. It is often not obvious if a person is wearing two masks, or one mask with a filter by just looking at them.

• February 26, 2021: Vaccination Update

  Dear Willamette community,

  We write to provide you the latest information we have about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Oregon. Earlier today, Gov. Kate Brown and officials from the Oregon Health Authority announced further information about the state’s vaccination sequencing. University employees are referenced as part of Group 7 of Phase 1b which includes “frontline workers as defined by CDC” who will be eligible to be vaccinated no later than May 1.

  No later than June 1, Phase 2 of vaccinations will begin for all adults aged 45 to 64. All Oregonians 16 and over will be eligible to receive a vaccine no later than July 1.

  The state has a site where people can determine if they are eligible to receive a vaccine. Please visit Get Vaccinated Oregon for more information.

  We will continue to provide updates as we get them.

  Sincerely,
  ROC

• February 26, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week:

  • Housing accommodations as a result of the ice storm
  • Resumption of athletics and feedback from community members
  • Changing restrictions in Marion County and campus implications
  • Planning for Fall FITS classes

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here .

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here .

  Oregon is fortunately experiencing the same declines in COVID case counts, hospitalizations and deaths as the rest of the country, and currently has the third-lowest infection rate in the U.S. In response to these gains, Gov. Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority have moved Marion County from “Extreme Risk” to “High Risk” effective today. While this is encouraging, we still have a long way to go in this pandemic. However, we do expect to regularly reassess the restrictions we have had in place in response to the changing COVID landscape. More information about the county risk levels and allowable activities by category can be found here . Briefly, however, this means:

  • Indoor dining will be allowed in Goudy and The Bistro so long as indoor capacity does not exceed 25% maximum occupancy or 50 people, whichever is smaller, with a six-people per party and per table maximum.
  • Indoor entertainment (which includes Hallie Ford Museum and Theater productions) will be allowed so long as capacity is does not exceed 25% occupancy or 50 people total, whichever is smaller.
  • Sparks Fitness Center will increase capacity to a maximum 25% occupancy or 50 people total, whichever is smaller.

  Mid-Semester Break

  As a reminder, we have adapted our spring semester schedule to omit the traditional weeklong spring break at the end of March. The intent of this mitigation strategy is to de-incentivize students’ travel to other areas, then back to campus for the remaining month and half of the semester. We also recognize that students need a break from their studies so we have built in a two-day mid-semester break on March 25-26. Importantly, we are asking that students not travel during this time, but rather find a way to relax without leaving the Salem area.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues its surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement . If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette , students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu , 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form . Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• February 19, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  In an ongoing effort to keep the community informed, the Reopening Operations Committee is committed to offering statewide, regional and campus public health updates to our community every Friday.

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week

  • Housing & other resources for off campus students without power
  • Declining case counts in Marion County

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Resources for students affected by the power outage

  In response to the aftermath of the recent ice storm in the area, including significant power outages that have yet to be resolved, housing and food options were made available to students living off campus. A Google form was sent out on Tuesday evening to all students to assess the housing needs. Along with the option for temporary housing, affected students are able to receive free dinner service from Bon Appetit through Friday, February 19th. This free service will be re-evaluated as we learn more about the restoration of power in the area. As of Thursday morning, there have been 9 students requesting temporary housing and 33 students who received a free dinner on Wednesday night.
  
  We will continue to monitor the situation in the area and provide options for students as long as they are needed.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. If selected for surveillance testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• February 14, 2021: Ice Storm Follow up

  Willamette Community,

  We understand that many of you remain without power and know how uncomfortable and difficult these conditions can be. Although power has been restored to some areas, many may be without power for a few more days. Even with power, some may still be without internet access.

  During this time COVID-19 continues to be a major concern and we continue to prioritize strategies that reduce the possibility of its spread. With this concern at the forefront, we are unable to provide beds on campus for those without power. First, we do not have the capacity to offer housing to everyone who lives off campus or even for those who would desire it during this time. Second, we have to preserve a number of the spaces we do have for students who may need to be isolated or quarantined if they should acquire the virus, as this circumstance can very quickly escalate without notice. Third, we have a no-guest policy in the residence halls this year for a reason—introducing off-campus guests into the residence halls (even other Willamette students)—increases the risk of virus transmission not only to residential students but to the students who would come from a variety of off-campus residences.

  If you are a student who is in a home where there has been damage that is exposing you to the elements, have experienced injury because of the storm, or you have a medical circumstance that is putting your health at risk, please contact Campus Safety and they can connect you to the on-call staff to discuss what support options may be available. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate students for reasons other than the exceptions noted above.

  Power is on throughout campus and the UC and academic buildings are accessible for studying. Goudy is open to all students for grab-and-go meals and the University will be open tomorrow. Classes will go on as scheduled unless you are otherwise notified. If you are unsure whether it is prudent to travel to campus, you should use your personal judgment and make the right decision for yourself regarding coming to work or attending classes. If employees are unable to report to work because of the weather and related circumstances, they should contact their supervisor and students should notify their faculty. Please remember that faculty, staff, and administrators are also experiencing power and internet connectivity issues and so there may be delays in response.

  Be safe,
  The ROC

   

• February 12, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  In an ongoing effort to keep the community informed, the Reopening Operations Committee is committed to offering statewide, regional and campus public health updates to our community every Friday.

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week

  • Surveillance testing updates
  • CDC recommendations on double masks
  • Admissions tours proposal
  • County risk level assessment

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Double mask recommendation

  As we shared last week, Oregon public health experts are recommending that individuals upgrade or reinforce the cloth masks that have become popular. This week, the CDC has recently shared a study and information also affirming this approach. 2/10/21 CDC study confirms two masks are better than one. As a reminder, you can double your cloth mask with a surgical mask or acquire a 2.5 micron filter to use along with your cloth mask.

  Spaces to eat on campus

  Marion County currently remains in the “Extreme Risk” category, which means indoor dining at Goudy is not permitted. We understand the challenges this creates for students, particularly those who live off campus, who want to eat somewhere on campus.
  
  Below are a few locations and reminders regarding spaces that are available for students to eat.

  Areas where food can be consumed

  • Cat Cavern — This space is available each day from 7 a.m.–4 p.m. as an option for students to use for meals, primarily for those students who do not live on campus.
    • Students using the space should maintain six feet or more of distance from others while they are eating.
    • This space is not to be used for hanging out or socializing during the day.
  • University Center — Use the third floor lobby area.
  • Residence hall room
  • Outdoors

  Areas where food should not be consumed

  • Classrooms
  • Common areas in buildings, such as University Center first and second floor lobbies, academic building hearths and residence hall lounges

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop continues it’s surveillance testing program, as well as diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and those with known exposure. All tests given this week were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. Additionally, Bishop has started surveillance testing a randomized sample of the student community. If selected for testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• February 5, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  In an ongoing effort to keep the community informed, the Reopening Operations Committee is committed to offering statewide, regional and campus public health updates to our community every Friday.

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Topics ROC discussed in the past week

  • Classroom air circulation
  • Music proposals
  • Recreational space logistics
  • Guide for creating pods

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Double mask recommendation

  With the discovery of new and highly transmissible coronavirus variants within the United States, Oregon public health experts are recommending that individuals upgrade or reinforce the cloth masks that have become popular. Double masking has not yet become a requirement by federal and local health authorities but it is highly recommended as the new COVID-19 variants travel throughout the state and country. You can double your cloth mask with a surgical mask or acquire a 2.5 micron filter to use along with your cloth mask.

  Indoor recreational facility use

  Earlier this week we communicated state-mandated changes to our recreational facilities and museum. These changes allow some limited use and activity within these facilities while Marion County is still in the extreme risk category. We wanted to provide some additional information around what these changes are and how and when the spaces can be used.

  Fitness center and workout space

  • Each contained workout space can accommodate six people at a time based on the guidelines. Gym users will be required to stay within their designated gym space for the duration of their workout.
  • Students in the fitness area need to stay 25 feet apart from one another.
  • Gym and fitness center use is limited to 45-minute sessions for each group.
  • To maximize student payroll and the six-person accommodation, the Fitness Center’s hours will be:
    • Monday–Thursday: 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 4–9 p.m.
    • Friday: 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3–7 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
    • Sundays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • There will be a system in place to sign up for specific one-hour time blocks to allow for entry and exit of the groups. That information will be coming out soon. Due to limited times available with only 6 users at a time, students may be limited to three to four workout slots per week in order to accommodate everyone who wishes to use the space.
  • Students will be required to sign into the space they are assigned in order to manage capacity and support contact tracing efforts should a person test positive who used the gym.

  Athletic teams’ gym and practice guidelines

  • Athletic teams will be permitted to practice indoors with up to 25 participants based on the guidelines for credit bearing instructional activities mandated by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
  • Athletes and coaches must maintain six feet of distance as much as possible. Exceptions to this distance rule for practices are limited and must be preapproved.
  • Cone Field House will be designated for athletic teams to use Monday through Friday with occasional use on the weekends based on the competition schedule.
  • The pool will be open for swim team practice initially, with hopes of opening it to the general student population in the coming weeks.

  Superspreader Super Bowl Sunday

  Coronavirus cases in the U.S. have surged after almost every major holiday this past year. This weekend brings on another unofficial one: Super Bowl Sunday. Because Super Bowl parties are usually indoors and can involve more households and shared food, these gatherings may be more dangerous than most holidays. This year’s game is also happening when contagious new variants of the virus have begun to spread. Our advice: Don’t organize a party. Don’t go to a Super Bowl party. And don’t root for Tom Brady.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Bishop completed COVID testing of nearly 250 student athletes in the first two weeks of the semester. All tests were negative. However, it is important to remember that all COVID tests are just a snapshot in time, and a negative test result should not change our adherence to mitigation strategies outlined in the WU Well U Agreement. Additionally, Bishop has started surveillance testing a randomized sample of the student community. If selected for testing, please do your part by scheduling an appointment.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

• February 1, 2021: Beyond the Quiet Period

  Today marks the end of the university’s quiet period for those students who returned to campus on or before Saturday, Jan. 23. Thank you for your commitment to this quiet period as we transitioned members back to the in-person community.

  The end of the quiet period means that classes scheduled to take place in person will be held in person unless otherwise indicated by your instructor. On weekdays, the Bistro is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Rick’s Cafe is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students are now free to engage with others and enter buildings more freely.

  These guidelines remain in place:

  • Wear masks (preferably two, or one with a filter per trending recommendations) and maintain 6 feet of physical distance in public campus spaces and when visiting friends in residence hall rooms.
  • Abide by posted room occupancy limitations. Current state guidelines allow for only six people for event gatherings and no more than two occupants in a residence hall room.
  • Follow the residence hall guest policy that restricts visitation only for residents within an assigned residence hall.
  • Currently state guidelines will not allow us to provide seating in Goudy, so meals will continue to be grab-and-go until further notice.
  • Many offices will continue to provide service and support remotely.
  • Any student interested in planning in-person events should contact student-engagement-group@willamette.edu for guidance in advance and to determine if a proposal needs to be submitted to the ROC.

  State guidance can change rapidly. We will continue to update the community with these changes as we all remain eager to increase opportunities for us to engage with one another in person.

  Any student who may have arrived or is planning to arrive on campus after Jan. 23 from out-of-state must institute their own 10-day quiet period before returning to in-person activities.

• February 1, 2021: Updated state guidance for indoor recreational facility use and select indoor venues

  Dear Community,

  We hope you are settling back into classes and campus life for the spring semester. We write with an update about the use of some of our campus spaces. As you may recall, in December, Governor Brown implemented a new risk categorization system that determines which activities are allowed within a county based on a set of risk criteria. Based on the extreme risk categorization of Marion County, we were required to close the indoor fitness center and end athletic practices.

  On Friday, the guidelines for indoor gyms spaces and guidance for museums were updated for extreme risk counties allowing some limited use of these spaces going forward. Museum, Fitness Center, and athletics staff are implementing these new guidelines so that the museum, workout, and practice spaces can be functional for students soon. All users of these spaces will be required to wear masks during visits, practices, and workouts. However, the guidelines allow for some differences for activities that are deemed “instructional” (i.e., fitness classes, athletic practices) and general use.

  Hallie Ford Museum guidelines

  • We are working on determining how to apply these new guidelines to the layout and square footage of the museum. More detailed information will be provided in the coming days.

  Fitness Center & workout space guidelines

  • The Sparks building will be organized to provide contained workout spaces that can be used simultaneously to accommodate the different needs of those utilizing the space.
  • Each of these spaces can accommodate 6 people at a time based on the guidelines. Gym users will be required to stay within their designated gym space for the duration of their workout.
  • Students in the fitness area need to stay 25’ apart from one another.
  • Stationary equipment will be arranged to ensure that individuals do not face each other regardless of the distance between equipment
  • Gym and fitness center use is limited to 45 minute sessions for each group.
  • The fitness center and recreational areas will continue to be limited to student use only. Staff and Faculty will not be allowed to use the facilities in order to prioritize student health and wellness options.

  Athletic Teams gym & practice guidelines

  • Athletic teams will be permitted to practice indoors with up to 25 participants based on Higher Education Coordinating Commission guidelines for credit bearing instructional activities.
  • Athletes and coaches must maintain 6’ of distance as much as possible. Exceptions to this distance for practice purposes are limited and must be pre-approved.
    The pool will be open for swim team practices initially, with hopes of opening to the general student population in the coming weeks.

  More information will be provided soon with details around the available spaces & equipment, use protocols and best practices for navigating the facilities with these changes in place.
  We are excited that these new guidelines allow us to bring back some recreational activities and options for students to explore during the spring semester.

  Sincerely,
  ROC

• January 28, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  In an ongoing effort to keep the community informed, the Reopening Operations Committee is committed to offering statewide, regional and campus public health updates to our community every Friday.

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Here are some of the topics ROC discussed in the past week.

  • Guidance for forming pods
  • Updated state guidance on gym use
  • Guidance for athletic teams

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Events and gatherings

  Willamette University is subject to the guidelines and mandates issued by the Governor and Oregon Health Authority — this directly affects how social gatherings and events can occur on campus for the foreseeable future. Post quiet period events or social gatherings must be limited to no more than 6 people for both indoor and outdoor gatherings, this includes any recurring club or department meetings. Virtual options are highly encouraged and allow for larger event attendance. If you are hosting in-person gatherings, we recommend setting up a mechanism for registration or time slots in order to manage the attendance limitations.

  New variant COVID-19 virus strain

  On Jan. 15, Oregon Health Authority announced that they had been informed that an Oregon resident tested positive with the variant COVID-19 virus strain originally detected in the United Kingdom. This strain has been detected in several states, including California. It is important to note that viruses constantly mutate, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Most of these variants do not change how the virus behaves, and many disappear.

  We are continuing to monitor these new strains and will update the community as more information becomes available.

  Our current mitigation strategies are still very important in combating the virus. As a reminder, this includes: maintaining six feet of physical distance, wearing a face covering, practicing good hand hygiene and limiting social gatherings.

  Cases

  We reported one new case in the past week.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

  To date, all COVID-19 tests administered in Bishop Wellness Center have been negative.

  Community compliance updates

  As we resume classes, please remember that we signed the WU Well U Agreement and agreed to affirm its commitments as a member of a caring campus community.

  As a reminder, we are in a quiet period and will be for the beginning of the semester. During this time, campus remains closed to visitors, classes are remote and all employees are asked to work remotely unless otherwise approved by their supervisor.

• January 22, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  In an ongoing effort to keep the community informed, the Reopening Operations Committee is committed to offering statewide, regional and campus public health updates to our community every Friday.

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Here are some of the topics ROC discussed in the past week.

  • New COVID-19 strain
  • Admissions tours
  • Physical activity and wellness solutions

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  New variant COVID-19 virus strain

  On Jan. 15, Oregon Health Authority announced that they had been informed that an Oregon resident tested positive with the variant COVID-19 virus strain originally detected in the United Kingdom. This strain has been detected in several states, including California. It is important to note that viruses constantly mutate, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Most of these variants do not change how the virus behaves, and many disappear.

  We are continuing to monitor these new strains and will update the community as more information becomes available.

  Our current mitigation strategies are still very important in combating the virus. As a reminder, this includes: maintaining six feet of physical distance, wearing a face covering, practicing good hand hygiene, and limiting social gatherings.

  Vaccination rollout in Oregon

  Although we had previously believed that higher education would be included in Phase 1b of the vaccination rollout program, we have since learned that higher education employees are not included with the K–12 employees in 1b. This confirmation came from our most recent communication with the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission. We are in continued conversation with HECC and other partners to determine where higher education employees will be included in the vaccination plan.

  Additionally, last week the federal government indicated that it would be sending out the stockpile of vaccinations it had in the federal reserve to increase distribution in every state. We have since learned from the governor’s office that “states will not be receiving increased shipments of vaccines from the national stockpile next week, because there is no federal reserve of doses.” This abrupt change in the expected supply will push back the distribution timeline that Gov. Brown and the Oregon Health Authority had shared earlier last week.

  It will continue to take time for the vaccines to be widely available and meet the demand of the groups eligible for vaccinating. We will continue to share information as we receive it.

  Surveillance testing in the spring semester

  As a reminder, in response to changing guidance and test availability in Oregon, Bishop Wellness Center will begin surveillance testing of undergraduate, law and graduate students in February. Each week, a random sample of students currently attending in-person classes will be selected to take a COVID-19 diagnostic nasal swab test. If selected, students will receive an email with the subject line “COVID-19 Testing: You have been selected.” The tests are the rapid antigen tests with results available the day of collection. There will be no direct costs to students asked to participate in surveillance testing. Bishop will also be able to offer limited testing of asymptomatic people by request for a $50 fee as supplies are available.

  Some additional details

  • Students selected for testing will receive an email asking them to schedule an appointment with Bishop Wellness Center.
  • Appointments for these randomly selected students will be available from 10 a.m.–noon, Monday–Friday.
  • Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are a known close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 should call Bishop Wellness Center for a separate appointment time and not participate in this surveillance testing program.

  We are pleased that we are able to add testing to our ongoing mitigation strategies. However, it is important to remember that the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID is to wear face masks, to maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from others, to practice good hand washing hygiene and to follow all university and state guidelines. With the vaccination process beginning, there is hope for a return to some sense of normalcy on the horizon. By continuing to commit to our care for one another, we can get through these next few months an even stronger community.

  More FAQs on surveillance testing can be found here.

  Cases

  We reported no new cases in the past week.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

  To date, all COVID-19 tests administered in Bishop Wellness Center have been negative.

  Community compliance updates

  As we resume classes, please remember that we signed the WU Well U Agreement and agreed to affirm its commitments as a member of a caring campus community.

  As a reminder, we are in a quiet period and will be for the beginning of the semester. During this time, campus remains closed to visitors, classes are remote and all employees are asked to work remotely unless otherwise approved by their supervisor.

• January 15, 2021: Important updates around vaccine distribution and sequencing

  Dear Colleagues,

  We write with an update regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and its distribution within the state of Oregon, specifically for higher education. We shared with you information from Gov. Brown’s press conference last week, in which the Governor stated that higher education faculty and staff would be included with K-12 employees in Phase 1b of the vaccine sequencing. Since that time, Oregon Health Authority has not included higher education in their communications about Phase 1b which has led to some confusion. We have reached out to try to confirm higher education’s inclusion in Phase 1b per the Governor’s statement. Our most recent communication with the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission indicates that higher education employees are not currently included with K-12 employees in Phase 1b.

  Additionally, this week the Federal Government indicated that it would be sending out the stockpile of vaccinations it had in the federal reserve to increase distribution in every state. We have since learned from the Governor’s office that, “States will not be receiving increased shipments of vaccines from the national stockpile next week, because there is no federal reserve of doses.” This abrupt change in the expected supply will push back the distribution timeline that Gov. Brown and the Oregon Health Authority had shared earlier in the week.

  It will continue to take time for the vaccines to be widely available and meet the demand of the groups eligible for vaccinating.

  It is important to remember that the vaccine is one of many tools we have to control the spread of the virus. Hand washing, wearing masks, physical distancing, contact tracing, and other public health measures continue to be critical to our mitigation efforts. Although we may feel relief that vaccines are here, this is not the time to relax these measures.

  We will continue to share information as we get it.

  Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our community safe and healthy.

  Sincerely,
  Reopening Operations Committee

• January 15, 2021: Weekly COVID-19 Recap

  In an ongoing effort to keep the community informed, the Reopening Operations Committee is committed to offering statewide, regional and campus public health updates to our community every Friday.

  Reopening Operations Committee update

  Here are some of the topics ROC discussed in the past week.

  • Vaccination distribution
  • Testing protocols
  • Return to campus plans and classes
  • Updates to COVID website

  Regional and statewide public health update

  The most current Oregon Health Authority weekly update can be found here.

  Marion County’s COVID-19 website can be found here.

  Surveillance testing in the spring semester

  In response to changing guidance and test availability in Oregon, Bishop Wellness Center will begin surveillance testing of undergraduate, law, and graduate students in February. Each week, a random sample of students currently attending in-person classes will be selected to take a COVID-19 diagnostic nasal swab test. If selected, students will receive an email with the subject line “COVID-19 Testing: You have been selected.” The tests are the rapid antigen tests with results available the day of collection. There will be no direct costs to students asked to participate in surveillance testing. Bishop will also be able to offer limited testing of asymptomatic people by request for a $50 fee as supplies are available.

  Some additional details

  • Students selected for testing will receive an email asking them to schedule an appointment with Bishop Wellness Center.
  • Appointments for these randomly selected students will be available from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday–Friday.
  • Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are a known close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 should call Bishop Wellness Center for a separate appointment time and not participate in this surveillance testing program.

  We are pleased that we are able to add testing to our on-going mitigation strategies. However, it is important to remember that the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID is to wear face masks, maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from others, practice good hand washing hygiene, and to follow all university and state guidelines. With the vaccination process beginning, there is hope for a return to some sense of normalcy on the horizon. By continuing to commit to our care for one another we can get through these next few months an even stronger community.

  Return to campus for undergraduate students

  Earlier this week, President Thorsett sent out important information around return to campus plans amid the concerns of protests occurring at the capitol between Jan. 16 and Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. To address these concerns, residential students who’d prefer not to travel before Inauguration Day have the option of starting classes from home and returning between Jan. 21–23 instead. The later return date is encouraged, but students are still welcome to return on Jan. 19 if they wish to do so.

  Classes for CAS students will start as scheduled Jan. 20, with all classes remote. To ensure a safe restart to the semester we will begin with a quiet period, as previously communicated. With the expansion of return dates for residential students we are extending this quiet period through Monday, Feb. 1, with in-person classes starting on Tuesday, Feb. 2. This means that if you are taking any in-person classes, you must return to Salem or move into your residence no later than Jan. 23.

  Cases

  We reported two new confirmed cases in the past week.

  Please note that the confirmed case dashboard was created to keep the community apprised of possible transmission on campus. As such, we do not report cases when individuals are not physically present on campus this semester (for example, students studying remotely and living out of the area).

  As a reminder, we require any community member who is ever on campus, however briefly, who tests positive for COVID-19 to report that to the university. As was stated in the Aug. 28 Today@Willamette, students should self-report their positive COVID-19 status to Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at Truiz@willamette.edu, 503-370-6447, or by submitting a COVID-19 CARE Report form. Faculty and staff should report their positive case status to Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or by submitting this Employee COVID-19 Report form.

  To date, all COVID-19 tests administered in Bishop Wellness Center have been negative.

  Community compliance updates

  As we resume classes, please remember that we signed the WU Well U Agreement and agreed to affirm its commitments as a member of a caring campus community.

  As a reminder, we are in a quiet period and will be for the beginning of the semester. During this time, campus remains closed to visitors, classes are remote and all employees are asked to work remotely unless otherwise approved by their supervisor.

• January 8, 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination updates

  Dear Colleagues,

  We write to you with promising news around the COVID-19 vaccine and it’s distribution within the state of Oregon, specifically for Higher Education. Today, during a press conference hosted by Gov. Kate Brown, it was confirmed that higher education educators and staff will be included in group 1b of the phased distribution for vaccinations in the state.

  While the inclusion of higher education faculty and staff is welcome news, it is important to remember that it will take some time for the vaccines to be widely available and distributed as the county and state work to complete vaccinations for individuals in group 1a. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has organized a phased distribution approach, in line with CDC guidance, to ensure vaccination distribution is done in a fair and equitable way.

  We met recently with representatives from our health insurance provider, Kaiser Permanente, to better understand the vaccine distribution plan and process.

  Things you need to know:

  • Current vaccination groups include frontline health care workers and long-term care residents and employees. This includes doctors, nurses, janitorial staff, and others who have the potential for direct or indirect contact with COVID-19 patients or infectious materials. Willamette has identified employees that qualify for this group and provided information on vaccination sites for them.
  • OHA is working on identifying the groups that will be next in line for the vaccine after our frontline health care workers have received their vaccination. As mentioned above, Gov. Brown confirmed today that educators and staff for K-12 as well as higher education will be included in the 1b group for vaccination. More information around this group will be released toward the end of the month.
  • Willamette will not be a vaccination dispensing site. Individuals seeking the vaccine (once they are eligible) will have the ability to schedule an appointment through Kaiser Permanente or visit one of the county-organized vaccination clinics.
  • There are no out-of-pocket costs to receive the vaccine, no matter which location you visit to receive the vaccination.
  • Oregon is receiving vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna, both of which require two doses to be administered for full immune response. The Pfizer vaccine requires 21 days in between each dose whereas the Moderna vaccine requires 28 days and each dose an individual receives should be from the same manufacturer.
  • The vaccine assists in keeping individuals from getting sick, but it still may be possible to get, carry and transmit the virus even after you are vaccinated.

  It is important to remember that the vaccine is one many tools we have to control the spread of the virus. Hand washing, wearing masks, social distancing, contact tracing, and other public health measures continue to be critical to our mitigation efforts. Although we may feel relief that vaccines are here, this is not the time to relax these measures.

  We will continue to share information as we get it.

  Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our community safe and healthy.

  Sincerely,
  Reopening Operations Committee

• January 4, 2021: Update on Returning to Campus from Winter Break

  Welcome back and Happy New Year!

  We hope you all had a restful winter break. We want to provide some important health and safety reminders as we start the new term and prepare for our students’ return.

  Important Guidelines

  Employees who are able to perform their duties remotely must continue to do so and not come to campus unless absolutely necessary. Employees must check with their supervisor if there are questions or concerns about whether to work on campus or remotely. If you believe you need to work on campus for any reason your division leader or dean must provide prior approval.

  Based on the metrics released by Gov. Kate Brown in December, Marion County is still identified as an “Extreme Risk” county which means a number of restrictions continue to be in place, including limitations on the size of gatherings and restrictions against indoor dining and recreation. 

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  Things to Remember

  • Hallie Ford Museum and Sparks Fitness Center remain closed until further notice.
  • Campus offices will operate remotely in all cases where the work can be done virtually.
  • Bon Appetit locations will reopen over the course of January.
    • Rick’s Cafe will reopen with limited days and hours on Jan. 11.
    • Goudy reopens Jan. 19.
    • Blitz Market reopens on Jan. 20.
    • No indoor, in-person dining is allowed at this time due to state guidelines. Goudy seating will be closed. We can provide an option for those who may not be in residence or have office space on campus to eat.
  • All residence halls will reopen on Jan. 19 with an exception for students who have been preapproved for an early arrival (e.g. new students, RAs).

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  Quiet period

  As we welcome AGSM and Law students back for classes next week, we will begin the semester with a quiet period to protect both Willamette and the larger community.

  The quiet period for the graduate schools will take place Jan. 11–20.

  Undergraduate students’ quiet period will be Jan. 20–30.

  This means:

  • Attending classes remotely during the quiet period.
  • Reducing the number of people with whom you’re in contact.
  • Limiting traffic in campus buildings.
  • Avoiding social gatherings.

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  Continued diligence

  While the distribution of effective COVID-19 vaccines has us hopeful that the end of the pandemic is on the horizon, we are still in the midst of it and must continue to be diligent with the public health measures established last semester.

  • Wear a mask at all times both indoors and outdoors.
  • Maintain 6 feet of distance from others at all times.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid large gatherings or events.

  Thank you for supporting the health and safety of our campus and greater community and for your flexibility during these ever-changing and uncertain times.

  Sincerely,
  Reopening Operations Committee

• December 7, 2020: Update on Spring 2021 Semester

  We write with an update on Willamette’s planning for the Spring semester.  As you well know, the course of this pandemic is dynamic, with regional and local guidance changing frequently as the number of cases continues to rise.  We are closely monitoring the public health landscape and are in frequent contact with local health officials as we plan for the Spring.

  As has been communicated previously, we fully intend to welcome students back to campus for an in-person experience in January for students who choose this option. The first day of classes for the law school and graduate programs will be January 11th. The first day of classes for the College of Arts and Sciences will be January 20th.

  Here is what you need to know now so that you can plan accordingly for your return in January.

  1. We strongly recommend students quarantine for 10 days prior to traveling back to campus. [Note this is informed by the updated CDC guidelines around quarantine for positive cases and close contacts]. We recognize that a quarantine of this nature may be complicated for many.  However, whatever you can do to reduce your social interactions 10 days prior to coming back to campus is helpful in mitigating the spread of the virus - this includes avoiding large gatherings and events, maintaining six-feet of distance between yourself and others, and practicing vigilant handwashing
  2. To minimize the chances of spreading the virus during travel, we recommend that students who are traveling back to Salem and/or intend to engage in on-campus activities acquire a diagnostic COVID PCR test (not antigen) 72 hours prior to traveling back to campus for students. If the test result is positive, the student must not travel or come to campus and should isolate according to their physician’s medical advice. Since many students will be traveling from a variety of places, the available testing options will vary. We recommend contacting your local health provider for testing options in your area. Oregon testing options can be found using OHA’s Oregon testing side finder. As a reminder, testing is not a replacement for our proven virus mitigation strategies (e.g., wearing masks, maintaining six-foot distance, staying home when feeling ill, frequent handwashing, etc.).
  3. Upon the start of January return to classes, we will again implement an enhanced “quiet period” for all community members for 10 days. A quiet period for graduate schools and law will take place January 11th- January 20th. The undergraduate student's quiet period will be January 20th - 30th. This means:
     • Attend classes remotely during the quiet period.
     • In-person class size will be capped at 24 students and 1 instructor
     • Reduce the number of people with whom you’re in contact
     • Limit traffic in campus buildings
     • Avoid social gatherings
     • Grab & go food will be provided at Goudy - no in-person seating

     If you return to campus at a later date than the scheduled start of classes, we expect that you will initiate your own quiet period for the 10 days following the time you return to campus or the Salem area. Note that all undergraduate students who have registered for an in-person class need to be back in the area by January 19th so that they can attend in-person classes when they resume on February 1st.

  4. Any student traveling to campus from outside Oregon will need to follow all relevant travel restrictions in place at the time.

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  Important reminders for Spring Semester

  In order to minimize mid-semester travel this Spring and to support a later start date for classes, we have had to eliminate our traditional week-long spring break. Instead, we have a two-day break scheduled for March 25-26th in addition to adding a day to Student Scholarship Recognition Day (SSRD) April 20-21st, making it a two-day event. We strongly urge students and the community to limit or avoid any unnecessary travel outside of the Salem area during these break times and throughout the semester, and to follow any travel restrictions set by local or federal authorities.

  We are also asking that all members of the community continue to report positive COVID-19 test results to the university as we head into the winter break and our regular campus closure. In response to evolving guidance, we will only be messaging positive cases that have intersected with the campus while the person was potentially contagious per CDC definitions. This approach will continue as we transition into the spring semester.

  We will continue to monitor the guidance from the state and update you as information changes or becomes available.

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