Update for Fall Term - Undergraduate Students

To: W&L Undergraduate Students
From: The COVID-19 Committee
Date: Wednesday, October 28

Below is this week's update on the university's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please remember to check the COVID-19 Resources website for the latest campus messages, resources, and FAQs that are being updated regularly, and to submit your questions to covid19@wlu.edu.

Check Out the Latest Programs Available for Students

Student Affairs, Student Activities, Campus Recreation and student organizations continue to deliver programming to help students connect in these challenging times. Among the many activities taking place in the days ahead, several Outing Club sessions (bike rides, midnight hike, trail run), an art exhibit (Lisa Elmaleh: American Folk) at Lenfest Center, a panel discussion on the 100th anniversary of commercial radio, the weekly IM 4-miler and daily Open Rec Hours at the Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center. Other highlights include:

  • Now through Oct. 31, get in the Halloween spirit by taking part in the Panhellenic Council's costume contest. $5 entry fee and the winner donates all proceeds to their non-profit of choice. Send a picture of your costume to shetlerm@21@wlu.edu by Oct. 31. Vote on the submissions @wlu_panhellenic (Instagram). Top three costumes get a $20 Sweet Things gift card - and bragging rights.
  • 28 at 8 p.m., Ghosts and Graves at W&L - join Lynn Rainville as she unearths some of W&L's ghost stories. Learn the fascinating history behind your favorite campus legends! Join here: https://wlu.zoom.us/j/97462603123?pwd=V0lYZXJ2cW1vQjFkTExEMHgrU0g2UT09
  • 29 at 5 p.m., Professors Lisa Greer and Mark Rush co-host a moderated conversation with award-winning author Elizabeth Kolbert entitled "Climate Change and its Impact on the World Order." Register here: https://wlu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BR98bcl2S0-UVXsaB-efWQ
  • 30 at 8 p.m., Africana Studies and SABU host a film viewing and conversation about "Night Catches Us" (2010). View the film (since Swank only supports certain browsers, consult this page for which browser to use); Participate in the discussion.
  • Through Oct. 31, Student Activities is subsidizing trips to Hull's Drive-In. Tickets can be reserved online at https://www.hullsdrivein.com/hullss-drive-in/; forward your receipt to kgoodwin@wlu.edu to get reimbursed for your group ticket.
  • 4 at 6 p.m., What Happened Last Night? Professors Marcos Perez and Zoila Ponce de Leon moderate an analysis and discussion of the 2020 presidential election, from different perspectives and disciplines. To register: go.wlu.edu/whathappened2020

If you have suggestions or ideas for additional student programming, please share them with your class dean or Kelsey Goodwin (kgoodwin@wlu.edu).

Upcoming COVID-19 Committee Office Hours

The COVID-19 Committee is continuing its office hours in the coming weeks. Thanks to those who came to the Oct. 22 session. Office hours are held via Zoom and you can use the links below to drop in. We look forward to seeing you!

End of Term Pre-Departure Testing Option

During the week of Nov. 16, the on-campus COVID-19 testing clinic will include optional appointments for students who are leaving campus and will be in close contact with high-risk individuals at their destination. Here's what you need to know:

  • A negative COVID-19 test reflects your status only on the day the sample was collected and does not ensure the safety of you or your close contacts.
  • If you receive a positive COVID-19 test prior to departure, you will need to isolate for 10 days before it is safe for you to travel and visit friends and family. You will need to be prepared to comply with this public health measure if your pre-departure COVID-19 test result is positive.
  • There will be some on-campus isolation space with dining services delivery available during that time, though space and services will be limited. The Student Health Center will close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24 and remain closed until it reopens for clinical services on Jan. 11, 2021. During that time, students with urgent healthcare needs will have to use community healthcare resources such as Velocity Care Urgent Care or the hospital emergency room as appropriate.
  • Prevention measures such as consistent use of face coverings, physical distancing, and frequent hand/environmental disinfection, remain critically important. Everyone should use extra care to follow these precautions in the 14 days prior to contact with any high-risk individuals, including during travel.
  • If you wish to schedule a pre-departure COVID-19 test, please e-mail Covid19Testing@wlu.edu. The appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Halloween Weekend Precautions

W&L's COVID-19 Environment Level remains at yellow-high, and 31 students have tested positive in the last seven days. Please take advantage of the safe activities listed above, and plan your weekend and Halloween activities in ways that comply with the current COVID-19 restrictions. Wearing face coverings, physical distancing, limiting your close contacts, and keeping gatherings within the current size limits will go a long way toward helping us slow the spread of the virus on our campus!

Community COVID-19 Testing Event

The Central Shenandoah Health District is holding a free COVID-19 testing event on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at the Rockbridge Regional Communication Center in Buena Vista. Preference for testing will be given to symptomatic individuals and contacts of a known COVID-19 case. No appointment is required.

Caught You! (doing the right thing, that is!)

The "Caught You! (doing the right thing)" raffle is off to a great start! Prizes include gift certificates to downtown Lexington businesses and the University Store. If you didn't win this week, your name will remain in the drawing for next week! Congratulations to our first group of winners - watch your email for information on how to pick up your prize!

  • Grace Combs
  • Gabriella Kogan
  • Mary Beth Smith
  • Claudia Barnett
  • Paige Mammorella
  • Maggie O'Berry
  • Jackson Jacobs
  • Jennifer Zartman
  • Grace Wielechowski
  • Tanner Harron
  • Been Delgado Mio
  • Charley Colby
  • Walker McKnight
  • Lillie Taylor
  • Ashton Jenne
  • Ashley Xia
  • Midha Ahmad

Reminder - Get Your Seasonal Flu Shot

Free flu shots continue to be available to all students by appointment at the Student Health Center any time 24/7 (except 12-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. daily). Please call ahead for a nurse appointment as there are no walk ins for flu shots at the SHC. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity and get a flu shot this year.