Friends on Campus | Photo by Harminder Langri | The Wright State Guardian
In the weeks leading up to the beginning of the fall semester, Wright State University continues to update its COVID-19 policies. Here are five things you need to know before your return to campus.
New policy
In a campus-wide email, President Edwards announced WSU’s “new normal” for the Fall 2021 semester. These plans are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and the arrival of the Delta variant in the US.
Vaccination
As stated in the communication, vaccination against COVID-19 for staff and students is not required by the university but is highly encouraged.
Vaccination remains the highest protection against the coronavirus and its variants like Delta, according to the CDC.
Wright State Physicians is still offering the Moderna vaccine for those wishing to get vaccinated.
Masking
The mask mandate for WSU, lifted in late May due to falling COVID-19 case numbers, is not fully reinstated. However, the university is encouraging mask-wearing and social distancing inside campus buildings and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible.
With the Delta variant in the US and increasing case numbers, highest among the unvaccinated, the CDC now recommends both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to resume masking and social distancing in high transmission areas.
A high transmission area is defined as an area where COVID-19 is easily spreading due to high infection rates or other factors. According to the CDC Greene, Montgomery, Warren, and Miami County, key Raider Country territories are all substantial transmission areas.
Housing
Included in the campus plan is regular testing for those exposed to COVID-19, symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals, and residential students.
Residential students living on the Dayton and Lake Campus, vaccinated or unvaccinated, must follow a testing protocol before moving to campus.
Details about this testing program are yet to be released.
Guests, small gatherings and games in outdoor common areas are permitted for those living in residential communities.
READ MORE: Vaccinated Residential Students Permitted to Have Roommates Fall Semester
Student Life
According to the statement, all WSU employees are expected to arrive back on campus on August 2. Classes are to resume at 100% capacity with most synchronous online classes converting to in-person classes. Students may check their schedules for updates via Wings Express.
In-person events hosted by student organizations, recreation programs, and other student involvement activities can be expected to return.
