Dear campus community,
In our continued effort to keep you updated on the university’s plans for course delivery, we are sharing that spring term courses will also be delivered mainly remotely in a manner similar to fall and winter terms. We had hoped to be able to offer more in-person classes for spring, but the COVID-19 metrics and current safety protocols have led us to this decision. As always, faculty may request to have in-person classes, and each request is considered carefully by Academic Affairs.
In addition to this announcement, here are some updates on other campus happenings:
Commencement
The Commencement committee has been meeting regularly to develop a variety of scenarios and is now gathering student input. The Registrar’s office sent a survey to eligible participants earlier in January to gauge their interest in several different models. A final decision is expected by the first day of spring term. You can find a timeline and more information on the Commencement webpage.
Summer term
We anticipate that summer term will look like previous summers in that we will offer a wide array of online offerings and opportunities to help keep students on track toward graduation.
Campus life
Student Engagement continues to evolve and offer opportunities for student life activities in a variety of formats. Student clubs and organizations have increased their virtual engagement, particularly during winter term. We expect those activities to increase during spring term, when, pending health guidelines, outdoor opportunities may be available. Students, keep an eye out for the Wolfie’s Weekly newsletter in your email from Student Engagement for more information and ways to get involved.
Athletics
Spring sports—baseball, softball and track—are expected to be allowed to have games/meets starting next month, pending any changes from the GNAC. We don’t know to what degree spectators will be allowed, but if they are, we encourage you to come out and support your WOU Wolves!
Vaccinations
With renewed hope for the future with active distribution of a vaccine, we are working out details with West Valley Hospital in Dallas for WOU to be a community vaccination clinic site. Although this does not change the timing of when students and employees may be vaccinated, we are happy to be a partner in improving the community response. Vaccinations are coordinated by the state of Oregon and more details can be found on the state’s COVID-19 vaccine website.
In closing, I am looking forward to the time when we can all be back on campus and have an academic year that looks more like what we know and love. We are hopeful that fall 2021 will be that opportunity. In the meantime, let’s continue to embrace the now and wear masks, practice physical distancing and complete our health checks.
Best wishes,
Rex Fuller
