Wittenberg students move in, prepare to ease into campus life amid coronavirus pandemic

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Wittenberg University’s move-in days and welcome week look a little different this year due to the coronavirus.

The university took a staggered approach to moving students in over the course of a week before classes start on Monday, Aug. 17.

“Our faculty and staff have worked diligently, thoughtfully, and carefully to prepare campus for the return of our students,” President Michael Frandsen said in a letter to students.

Students will move in on campus through Thursday and then connect with their orientation assistance and peer mentor who will help them through the rest of the welcome week.

“Students will be able to ease into living on campus,” said Cindy Holbrook, Senior Communications Assistance. “This year organizers are planning both small-group meetings and hybrid programs to allow students to still experience the high-impact touch that defines Wittenberg.”

Once students move in, they will then be able to participate in small activities such as lunch and dinner with their orientation assistants, learning how to use various technology, reviewing strategies for each learning option, going over COVID-19 protocols and more, Holbrook said.

Frandsen said all faculty and staff have reviewed the changing guidance from local and state officials, sought on and off-campus expertise, researched and participated in webinars and talked to colleagues at other institutions when developing plans for student return this fall.

“They have kept the health and safety of our community in mind as they developed plans and standards, and looked to mitigate risks for what will be a very different fall semester,” he said. “We are cautiously moving toward fall semester with new health and safety measures in place. It will take the commitment of everyone in our community to follow these guidelines.”

Guidelines all university members are to follow include wearing a face covering except when in a personal working or living area, doing self-check health assessments, maintaining personal hygiene, keeping surfaces clean and sanitized and practicing social distancing at all times.

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