Marion Campus

August 12, 2021

Indiana Wesleyan University is excited to welcome students back to the Marion campus this fall with anticipation of regaining the ability to do things that were not possible last year.  We recognize COVID-19 is still a concern across the country with rising infection rates.  Success this fall will require each person to do their part in helping the larger community navigate the challenges and adjust as new information unfolds.  We ask that you continue to take COVID-19 seriously and respect the guidelines we have in place as we seek to provide the best experience possible for all who are on the Marion campus. 

The information below outlines the framework for COVID-19 protocols this fall on campus.  There will be adjustments throughout the year as realities emerge but we are optimistic that we can navigate this semester well to create a great experience for all.  IWU is committed to working with local and State of Indiana health officials to regularly monitor public health trending and adjust as needed to ensure safety.  This includes relaxing guidelines if health conditions on campus and locally provide the opportunity.  A review of IWU’s COVID-19 guidelines will occur every two weeks throughout the semester.  Students will be communicated with regularly throughout the semester with status and or changes.

Fall 2021 COVID-19 Plans

1. Masks.  Masks will be required for classrooms settings and Chapel services. It is expected that attendees socially distance at all concerts, plays, indoor athletic events, large meetings, etc..., however, if the event organizer determines that due to event size distancing is not possible, then masking for that event will be required. Masks are strongly encouraged in all indoor locations where people will be close together for extended periods of time and social distancing is not possible. Individuals (faculty, staff, and students), whether vaccinated or not, must use good judgment in social settings and when attending events to protect their health and those around them in close proximity. A specific health risk to one or more individuals within a defined space may necessitate a masking requirement for that space under special circumstances.
2. Occupancy Limits.  In general, IWU will be at full occupancy in all venues and learning spaces without specific social distancing requirements this fall; however, we reserve the right to adjust occupancy rates at venues or in learning spaces as needed or required.
3. Daily Health Screening.  IWU encourages all students and employees to self-monitor their health condition and any symptoms they may experience. 
   If symptoms exist that are consistent with COVID-19, seek immediate medical advice through your family physician or IWU’s Wildcat Health Clinic.
4. COVID-19 Vaccination.  IWU strongly encourages all students and employees to consider getting one of the CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccines to minimize risk of illness and inconvenience next year. As a general policy, IWU will NOT require students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19; however, IWU may require COVID-19 vaccination in special circumstances that present significant risk (e.g., participation in international study abroad or other select programs).

Individuals who are fully vaccinated:

• Fully vaccinated students and employees are less likely to get sick and experience a disruption during their semester on campus.
• Fully vaccinated students and employees are not required to quarantine if exposed to a positive COVID-19 case unless they begin experiencing symptoms or ultimately test positive for the virus.
• Fully vaccinated students and employees that are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case must mask and social distance when in public in accordance with CDC and state of Indiana guidelines. 

Individuals who are NOT vaccinated:

• NON-vaccinated students and employees who are exposed to, or test positive for, the COVID-19 virus will be required to isolate or quarantine in accordance with CDC and state of Indiana guidelines. 
• NON-vaccinated students who are exposed to, or test positive for, the COVID-19 virus will be encouraged to quarantine or isolate off-campus for the duration required as outlined by the CDC. Identifying and securing accommodations off-campus will be the responsibility of the student. Students may quarantine in their dorm rooms if necessary, and isolation dorms will be available on campus for unique circumstances that prevent students from being able to leave campus for the quarantine or isolation period.

Vaccination notification:

• IWU requests that students provide vaccination status confirmation as part of its effort to monitor public health risks on campus. Documentation of vaccination status will be collected through Med Proctor.  For individuals seeking to have the benefits of being a vaccinated person that is described above (no quarantine, etc.) then proof of vaccination must be provided to IWU via Med Proctor.

IWU respects the right of our students and employees to make decisions about their health care.  IWU also recognizes that many families have experienced an incredibly difficult and painful year as a result of COVID-19.  IWU believes the best path toward mitigating the risk of COVID-19 and its public health risk is through vaccination.  It is for this reason that we strongly encourage all members of the IWU community to get a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine.  We recognize that many factors can impact why someone may not be willing or able to get a COVID-19 vaccine.  The choice is yours and we encourage you to do what is best as we care for ourselves and for one another in this learning community.

IWU-Marion COVID-19 Task Force
John Jones, Chair
Covid19@indwes.edu