Washburn University Spring 2022 COVID Precautions

     Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University sent the following message to all students, faculty and staff this morning informing the university community of the university’s Spring 2022 COVID precautions.

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To Students, Faculty and Staff:

     As we begin this spring semester, the COVID environment is once again at the center of our planning. Fortunately, we know a great deal more than when we first encountered this virus and understand how to stay healthy and safe. Most importantly, there are now multiple, safe and effective vaccines and a much better understanding of how the virus is transmitted. However, the challenge of multiple variants – some more contagious than the original – have caused Washburn to examine our approach and determine if any changes to our protocols are warranted.

     We have consulted with our own internal experts as well as the CDC and the Shawnee County Health Department and are confident we can have a full and active semester so long as we all continue to work together to keep everyone safe.

     After careful consideration of the current health environment, we have determined that Washburn will continue to have classes in our normal classroom setting. We will continue to require masks to be worn in all classrooms, hallways, and all public spaces inside buildings on the Washburn Campus. Please note eating and drinking is discouraged in classrooms during class sessions. We will not require, but will highly encourage, the use of masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible. There will be VERY limited exceptions to the mask rule while using exercise equipment. Masks can be removed while actively eating or drinking.

     If you want extra protection, the CDC has suggested the use of KN95 masks or double-masking using a cloth mask over a surgical mask. In any case, make sure that your mask fits well and doesn’t have any gaps around the sides of the face or nose.

     In the residence halls, masks will not be required within a room or suite. Roommates and suitemates are considered a “family” unit, so masks are not required within rooms or suites. In the common areas or residence halls (including hallways and study lounges) masks will not be required as long as individuals can maintain social distancing.

     We are proud to say we have been able to conduct classes safely and move students on to their educational goals. We have even managed to have the last two graduation ceremonies in person. But, we also know that – at least for the present – we need to continue to exercise care and keep basic, common-sense precautions in place.

     Vaccines are still the best protection both for individuals and for the community as a whole. Our student health service has both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines available without charge for students, faculty and staff. That includes booster shots for those who were vaccinated earlier. If you haven’t been vaccinated or boosted, we urge you to get the shot if you are able.

     The Student Health Service also has COVID testing available and we urge you to get tested if you are showing symptoms even if you have been vaccinated.

     At the very beginning of the pandemic, we asked everyone to Stay Safe so we could Stay Together. We’ve done a great job keeping COVID at bay on campus but we need to continue for a little longer.

     Thank you again for your efforts in keeping the Washburn community safe and we look forward to a great semester.

Go Bods!

JuliAnn Mazachek                                 Eric Grospitch
Vice President of Academic Affairs         Vice President of Student Life

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