COVID-19 Campus Updates

Fall 2022 Update

To the Members of the University Community: 

We are nearing the start of the academic year and the return to campus for our entire community.  We look forward to welcoming you all back in the coming weeks and are anticipating a bright year ahead for all Golden Bears!

Attached to this you will find our COVID-19 Guidelines- Fall 2022.  Our goal is to provide you with this information for the health and safety of the campus, so please read everything carefully.

In short, many of our previous guidelines in place at the end of last semester will remain the same. WNE will continue with our Mask-ready policy and ask that new community members provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or be approved for an exemption. One change is that we will not be requiring community members to complete re-entry testing at the start of the semester, given that transmission rates in Hampden County remain low. However, if any changes in transmission arise, we will keep you fully informed of any new guidelines.

In addition, Western New England University is closely monitoring the Monkeypox Virus. We are in close contact with state and local officials and following the guidelines of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Monkeypox | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC

• Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.
• It is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, which causes smallpox.
• It is rarely fatal.
• Symptoms are flu-like and may include a rash.
• It can be transmitted through close contact with skin, rash, and respiratory secretions of those infected with monkeypox. It can also be spread through touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces used by an infected person.

Western New England University is nimble and well-prepared to pivot as needed. In the coming weeks, we will share with the campus community our guidelines and plans for the clinical management and risk mitigation of any possible transmission of the Monkeypox Virus on campus.

As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. We are here and ready to help.

Respectfully,

Basil A. Stewart                                                                   
Vice President for Finance and Administration             
Chair, Emergency Management Response Team
(EMRT)

Kathleen M. Noone
Director, Center for Health & Wellness