Health Guidance for Baldwin Wallace Community

Updated March 12, 2024

BW Students and Faculty Working Together

Following a sustained response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and health authorities have communicated that we are now in an endemic response consistent with other respiratory viruses, and equipped with tools and resources to better protect ourselves and our communities. We must continue to work together to manage ongoing public health needs by actively communicating with students and being attuned to changing terrain.

Find out who to contact for assistance with your questions regarding information on this page.

Policies and Expectations Related to COVID-19

Attendance Policy

If students, faculty or staff are symptomatic, they are instructed NOT TO ATTEND class, work and other activities and to seek immediate/timely medical guidance to clarify what might be causing those symptoms before returning to class, work and other activities. This cautious approach necessitates flexibility, grace and understanding when enforcing attendance policies.

Academic Communication Policy

Frequent, timely and clear communication is paramount. When students are impacted by COVID-19, they are expected to communicate with their faculty. When faculty and staff members are impacted by COVID-19, they are expected to communicate with students about any changes to class, work and other activities that must be made.

Review the following expectations for students, faculty and staff in regards to attendance and academic communication policies for those who contract COVID-19:

Expectations of Students

Attendance: Attendance Policy

Class, work and activity attendance policies must be responsive to student needs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expectations of Students

Students are NOT to attend class, work and other activities in person if exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, such as coughing or runny nose. In this case, students must notify their faculty and work with them to arrange the means to make up work. Students who attend class, work and other activities with symptoms may be asked to leave.

Students are no longer required to inform the BW Health Center of positive COVID-19 test results, as public health reporting requirements have changed. Rather, students are expected to communicate promptly (in advance, if possible) and clearly with faculty, supervisors and advisors about any situation that would prevent attendance and participation in regularly scheduled classes, work and other activities.

Additionally, students are expected to contact their faculty to arrange how to make up missed work. Students learn best when they are in attendance in class. Remote attendance is NOT a substitute for in-person attendance unless students are ill, symptomatic or in isolation.

Students are expected to work proactively with their faculty to plan make-up work and complete the assignments outside of scheduled class time.
Regular Academic Communication: Academic Communication Policy

The use of Canvas is essential to keeping lines of communication open.

Expectations of Students

Students are expected to log in to Canvas at least once a day to avoid missing any important updates and course announcements. Students are expected to check their BW email account daily.

Expectations of Faculty and Staff

Attendance: Attendance Policy

Class, work and activity attendance policies must be responsive to student needs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expectations of Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff must NOT attend class, work and other activities in person when they are ill, symptomatic or in isolation. When able, faculty and staff are expected to work remotely in these circumstances.

Faculty and staff are expected to remain sensitive to the unique challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and strive for empathy and flexibility in responding to student concerns that may affect attendance.

Faculty may not be able to accommodate all make-up work for missed assignments or deadlines — alternative make-up work may be provided at the discretion of the instructor.

A faculty member’s attendance policy must take into account both in-person and remote attendance.
Regular Academic Communication: Academic Communication Policy

The use of Canvas is essential to keep lines of communication open.

Expectations of Faculty

Faculty are expected to maintain up-to-date modules, announcements and gradebook entries in Canvas. Faculty are expected to respond in a timely manner to emails from their students, especially those who are isolating. Prompt, supportive communication significantly reduces the stress of isolation.

COVID-19 Guidelines and BW Protocols

Finally, showing respect through support of each other and assumption of individual responsibility regarding health practices continues to guide us. Review the following pertinent COVID-19 guidelines and BW protocols for which BW community members are responsible:

Masking: Guideline

Members of the campus community can decide on an individual basis whether to continue masking. Individuals are encouraged to respect the decisions of others and to take personal precautions against COVID-19.

BW Protocol

We encourage members of the campus community to take personal precautions against COVID-19 and to avoid spreading illness to others. We support those who need to or choose to wear a mask.

Masks are available on campus in limited quantities.
COVID-19 Testing: Guideline

COVID-19 testing is available at the BW Health Center.

BW Protocol

If students are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, students may be tested at the BW Health Center.

Athletes may be subject to additional health protocols outlined by the NCAA and OAC. Some programs (e.g., theatre) may implement regular testing of students participating in performance-based sessions.

Students participating in off-campus clinicals, off-campus experiential education, service trips or competitions are required to follow the host site's health protocols.
Vaccinations and Boosters: Guideline

The COVID-19 vaccine is the single most effective way to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19.

BW Protocol

Students can receive a vaccine at the BW Health Center or at retailers within walking distance from campus. Call the BW Health Center at (440) 826-2178 to schedule a vaccination appointment. Students will need to bring their insurance card and photo ID for vaccinations and boosters. Students should also bring their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card for boosters.

Students participating in off-campus clinicals, off-campus experiential education, service trips or competitions are required to follow the host site's health protocols, including vaccination requirements.
Isolation: Guideline

If a person tests positive for COVID-19, following CDC guidance for isolation and masking is the best way to protect public health.

BW Protocol

Based on current CDC guidelines, individuals should isolate when positive for COVID-19 until they are fever-free and their symptoms start to subside.

Dining and housing supports are not be provided to students in isolation.

Questions?

For questions about class absences and faculty communication, contact the Provost at (440) 826-8520.
For questions about symptoms or testing, contact Health Services at (440) 826-2178.
For all other questions, contact the Dean of Students at (440) 826-2111.