Spring 2022 Protocol Announcements

As our 2021 COVID journey soon draws to a close, I know you are busily preparing for the end of the semester. Academic Achievement has indicated that many students have required additional care this fall, a reality that has impacted each of your departments. Thank you, Colleagues, for everything you have done to support our students over these past months. Your care is a remarkable, and I am grateful! 

This week, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) discussed recommendations to adjust our current quarantine process and face covering protocol beginning spring semester 2022. Thanks again for participating in the town hall discussion at our faculty meeting on Tuesday and , along with completing the faculty survey. The information you shared helped inform the SLT's discussion and decision-making. Earlier today, a message was sent to students that outlines the changes approved by the SLT. We have also updated our Current Status of Campus Protocols page to reflect these changes.

Please see below a summary of plans for the launch of spring semester: 

Changes Effective Spring 2022

Quarantine Adjustment for Classrooms

• If both the positive case and any close contacts (individuals within 6 feet) identified from the classroom setting were wearing face coverings correctly (over the nose and mouth), close contacts will not need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
• If face coverings were not worn in the classroom setting by either the positive case or the close contacts, quarantine will still be required for close contacts who are unvaccinated.
• An exposure email notification with next steps will be sent to all identified classroom close contacts.

Face Coverings in Chapel

• Rather than being required, face coverings will be strongly recommended in all chapel and alternative chapel settings.
• Reserved seating will be provided in each chapel setting for students who want to sit in an area where everyone is wearing face coverings. Students will be encouraged to be respectful of the reserved seating section(s) and to sit in the designated area only if they plan to wear a face covering correctly during the entire session.

Remaining the Same at the Start of Spring 2022

• Wearing a face covering will still be required in all indoor academic settings (classrooms and labs) when 6 feet distancing cannot be maintained.
• Wearing a face covering will still be required while riding in UNW provided transportation (e.g., UNW vans, buses, etc.).
• A daily email will continue to be sent to faculty with a list of students who will not be able to attend class in person due to isolation, quarantine, or other approved absences. In these cases, lecture capture will continue to be used.

At this time, we are anticipating these changes for how the launch of spring semester will launch. As we continue monitoring conditions throughout the term, other adjustments may be warranted. We will continue to keep you informed of our campus case numbers as we have done in the past. Additional information will also be shared to support you and our students as we get closer to the start date of the new semester.

Eagle Scholars Director Change

After several years of effective leadership as the Director of the Eagle Scholars Honors Program, Dr. Steve Harthorn has decided to return to the classroom full time, effective fall 2022. A search for the new director will commence in January. If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact Dan Crane. The job description will be posted soon. 

Professional Development Spotlight

Encouraging Participation for All Types of Learners - Thursday, December 16, 1 p.m.

Learner engagement can be challenging when faculty and students are geographically separated. Empower all learners to contribute and engage with their instructors beyond verbally asking questions.

This live demo is hosted by Zoom with Lance Ford to share the various ways you can solicit feedback from learners on Zoom. You will learn about the recent enhancements to polling (also known as advanced polling) to help assess feedback.

Register here for this live webinar. Can't attend? Register anyway, and Zoom will send you a link to the recording.

Sharing Your Thoughts

As we did with last week's feedback, I'd love to continue hearing how you're doing, along with any questions or concerns you may have as we approach the Christmas break. Please use this anonymous form (feel free to include your name if you'd like) to share your thoughts. May the Lord continue to richly bless you throughout finals week and the Christmas holiday!