For more information, visit wofford.edu/coronavirus.
Dear Wofford community:
This update on Wofford College’s response to COVID-19 includes a plan through Spring Break (April 5, 2020). Please review carefully.
Although Wofford College has no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in the student body, faculty or staff, there have been students who visited campus after returning from study abroad experiences in high-risk areas. All students were asymptomatic when they were on campus, and all had undergone the required periods of quarantine before returning to campus. Testing for COVID-19 has been negative. The college’s Campus Life and Student Development staff, with leadership from the Wellness Center, also has followed every rumor or lead to date; again, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 on campus.
Because there are no confirmed cases, the college will continue academic programming through Friday, March 20.
EXTENDED SPRING BREAK
In light of CDC and WHO recommendations for increased social distancing because of COVID-19, Wofford College leaders have made the decision to begin spring break early. Spring break will officially begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20 and continue through Sunday, April 5, 2020.
The residence halls will close at the same time. All students should leave campus and return home, if at all possible, during the extended break. Students who need the college to consider special accommodations during the extended spring break must request for extenuating circumstances.
Students should take everything they may need for classes with them when they leave campus for break in the event that the college must move to remote instruction on April 6.
PREPARE NOW
Students should begin adapting their travel plans now. Carefully reconsider plans to areas that may have elevated rates of COVID-19 infection. Wofford College recommends social distancing as a way to control the spread of disease. In order to enhance Wofford’s ability to ensure the health and wellness of our community, all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to fill out a voluntary destination reporting form.
During the extended break, the college will continue to closely follow the situation to make the most informed decision possible for a plan after spring break. Faculty and Information Technology staff have begun preparing remote instructional alternatives should the need arise after spring break. Students are also encouraged to talk with their professors about extenuating circumstances regarding remote instruction and travel. The college is proceeding with compassion as well as caution.
SUSPENDED SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Although face-to-face academic programming will continue through March 20, large campus gatherings have been suspended. Staff will continue regular work schedules, but additional guidance will be forthcoming from the Office of Human Resources on accommodating faculty and staff needs during this time.
LIMITING EXPOSURE ON CAMPUS
The staff in international programs remains in contact with students studying abroad or returning early from study abroad experiences. Students returning from abroad should contact the dean of international programs before returning to campus. Faculty who are returning after travel should contact the provost. Students should limit visitors on campus, especially people who have been to high-risk areas.
NEXT STEPS
If a COVID-19 case is confirmed on campus, we will let the community know immediately, and the timeline above may be altered.
This is a difficult situation for everyone, so please remember to be kind and patient. While there are many considerations involved in these decisions, the health, safety and well-being of our community is of primary concern.
SUMMARY OF THE REVISED ACADEMIC SCHEDULE:
- Final class period before extended spring break.
- Spring break begins at 5 p.m.
- Faculty begin planning best practices and implementation of remote instruction.
- All college offices will remain open this week.
- Classes resume (pending situation changes).