Marion Campus

COVID-19 Protocol Update for the IWU-Marion Campus 

The university instituted a mask mandate for the IWU-Marion campus for the two-week period ending on February 7th.  The good news is that there has been a sharp decrease in the number of Covid+ cases over the last few weeks. This is very encouraging news and the numbers have improved enough that we do not feel the mandate needs to continue.  In light of this, the COVID-19 Task Force and senior leadership has approved the removal of a masking requirement for the Marion campus.  

As always, the situation will continue to be monitored.  Thanks to all of you who have worked to help keep our IWU-Marion campus safe and healthy.

COVID-19 Protocol Update for the IWU-Marion Campus – January 21, 2022

Since the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester, we have observed a steady increase of COVID-19 positive cases in our county and among students and employees on the IWU-Marion campus. Our trend seems to be following a similar direction we have been monitoring at state and national levels. Therefore, in an effort to slow and curb the continued spread of the virus in our learning community, effective Monday, January 24, we will be implementing a mandatory mask policy for all public spaces in buildings on the IWU-Marion campus for a period of two weeks. This policy applies to all students, employees, and university guests, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. This policy does not apply to individuals actively engaged in exercise or athletic competitions in our indoor facilities. During the two-week period (January 24—February 7), the COVID-19 Taskforce will continue to monitor the situation and make further recommendations as needed.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the leadership of IWU has been committed to following four guiding principles as we seek to make decisions that we believe are in the best interest of our students and employees:

1. We will prioritize the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff.
2. We will prioritize giving students as positive and normal experience as possible in the midst of a pandemic.
3. We will rely on the best medical expertise we have, especially those on our campus and in our region.
4. We will witness to the gospel of Christ in the way we respond to this situation, and the various people involved in it.

For more information about IWU’s COVID-19 protocols, go to: www.indwes.edu/covid-19. Questions regarding IWU’s COVID-19 protocols may be emailed to: covid19@indwes.edu

Thank you for your cooperation in doing your part in helping to curb the spread of the virus on our campus and in our community.

IWU-Marion COVID-19 Task Force
John Jones, Chair

Covid19@indwes.edu

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, IWU has remained 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 increasing or relaxing guidelines if health conditions on campus and in our local community warrant it. Throughout the semester we have consistently seen our total average COVID-19 cases trend downward to having zero cases as of the morning of October 27, 2021. For this reason, the Task Force, with the support of the Chancellor’s office, has agreed to adjust our current guidelines to allow more flexibility on campus.

Having consulted with local health officials and considered the decreasing number of COVID- 19 cases on campus and in our community, IWU has determined to adjust our previously instated guidelines as follows:

1. Masks. Effective immediately, masks will no longer be required for classroom settings, Chapel services, or in any other building on campus. IWU reserves the right to reinstate a mask requirement if trending of COVID-19 positive cases on campus or in our community suggest a growing threat to the safety of those on campus. There may be special circumstances where a health risk is present in a classroom or meeting space that will require masks to be worn by attendees. Out of respect for the health privacy of individuals with elevated risk, the reason for the mask requirement will not be publicized in that special situation.
2. Occupancy Limits. In general, we will continue to be at full occupancy in all venues and learning spaces without additional social distancing requirements; however, we reserve the right to adjust occupancy rates at venues or in learning spaces if needed.
3. Daily Health Screening. We encourage 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, flu, common cold, or other health concerns, individuals should seek immediate medical advice through a family physician or the Wildcat Health Clinic.
4. COVID-19 Vaccination. We strongly encourage 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, we do not require students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19; however, we may require vaccination in special circumstances that present significant risk (e.g., participation in international study abroad or other select programs).

IWU respects the rights 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.

The COVID-19 Task Force extends our deep appreciation to all who have contributed toward making this a successful semester so far. Our community is not without COVID-19 risks as we look forward. With your continued prayer and support, the campus will remain a healthy and vibrant academic community the remainder of the school year and beyond.

IWU-Marion COVID-19 Task Force
John Jones, Chair

Covid19@indwes.edu