COVID Recovery Status

Western has the following COVID policies and procedures in place at this time:

Masks

Western’s mask policy states that all individuals must wear a mask or other suitable face covering indoors when other people are present and in all public and common areas. This includes spaces such as classrooms, labs, shared offices, lobbies, hallways, stairways, restrooms, elevators, and shared vehicles. It also includes individuals in their office if the door is open. Additionally, individuals who are attending virtual classes/meetings/events from a public space on campus must remain masked. 

People may unmask temporarily if actively eating or drinking. 

Masks are also encouraged in crowded, outdoor areas, and required for outdoor events with over 500 attendees.

Masking in on-campus housing: Masks must be worn in all indoor public and common areas. This includes spaces such as: lounges, kitchens, hallways, stairways, restrooms, elevators and lobbies. Students do not have to wear a mask in their suite, room, or apartment. This is the only exception to the policy.

To learn more about masks, such as what types of masks will offer you protection, view the CDC masking website.

If you do not have a mask with you when you come to campus, single-use masks are available at the main entrance of all academic and University Residences buildings.

Vaccinations

Western is requiring vaccinations for all students, employees, contractors, and in-person volunteers. 

To learn more about the vaccine mandate, including allowable exemptions, please reference our Vaccine Information page, or the following pages:

• Student vaccination information
• Employee vaccination information
• Volunteer vaccination information
• Contractor vaccination information

Visitors on Campus

Visitors are allowed on Western's campuses. All visitors on Western's campuses must follow current masking requirements and any health/safety signage posted. 

Our institution hosts many formal visitors. These could include (but are not limited to) community members participating in campus events or programs and extended visits to individuals who live on campus. We are referring to these individuals as “sponsored” visitors.

To “sponsor” a visitor, a university employee or registered volunteer will need to verify vaccination status or a negative test within 72 hours of the arrival of the sponsored visitor. There may be campus programs or activities that require full vaccination from non-WWU individuals in order to participate. It is important to note that those we pay for a service are considered contractors and have a different process to follow.

The process for verifying vaccination status or a negative test should be dependent on the event or program. In every situation, the verification process should be clearly communicated to potential attendees prior to the event or program as well as having signage at the entrance to the program. Western’s COVID Support Team is available for consultation on the process to be used.

For additional information, please view Requirements for Visiting WWU.

Questions?

Send your questions about fall COVID policies and procedures to covidsupport@wwu.edu.