The first week of school is off to a strong start. In speaking with several members of our faculty, I have heard stories of how engaged you have been in class. I am sure many of you have even started to organize and prepare for upcoming assignments and readings. Thank you for being committed to your academic journey and for following the protocols in place, however strange they may seem. As you begin to plan your semester, make sure to make good use of your time and be present. Although some of you will have classes on Monday, Labor Day, many of you have a long weekend ahead.
Especially in Rhode Island, Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the end of the summer and a time to come together at house parties, outdoor bar-b-ques and other large social gatherings to celebrate the holiday. This, however, has not been a traditional year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We can still celebrate the end of summer and honor the meaning of Labor Day in a healthy and socially responsible way. This means do not participate in social gatherings that exceed 15 people. Discourage others from hosting or attending gatherings of more than 15 people. Wear a face mask when you cannot maintain 6-feet physical distancing from others, whether you are outdoors or inside.
All JWU students must abide by the protocols included in the
COVID-19 Conduct Protocol. Should the university become aware of large gatherings on or off campus – by our own observation or being notified by local and/or state police – that exceed the official mandated capacity of 15, those students will be immediately subjected to the Conduct Review Process and face sanctions including, but not limited to, university suspension or dismissal. In addition, those who violate the 15-limit social gathering mandate may be fined $500 by the State of Rhode Island.
Let me be clear: you will be held accountable if you violate the COVID protocols. Not only are you putting your health and others at risk, you are potentially jeopardizing the university’s ability to hold in-person classes on campus for the rest of the semester.
Whether you are on campus or off campus, you can join peers virtually. There are many activities that I encourage you to check out that are included in our
Weeks of Welcome. Starting tomorrow at 4 p.m. is the
Student Involvement Fest followed by
Peter Boie Magician for Nonbelievers; on Saturday, Rapper and Comedian
Chris Turner will be virtually joining us; there will be
bingo on Sunday and
games in the Wildcat Center Lounge (second floor) on Monday. The Wildcat Center at the Harborside Campus will be open from noon-8 p.m. throughout the weekend and the ESports Lounge Downcity will be open from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Monday. You can learn more about these and other events on
jwuLink.
It is going to be a beautiful weather weekend, so I encourage you to get outside and abide by the COVID protocols – wear a face mask, maintain physical distancing, wash or sanitize your hands after touching doorknobs and other surfaces, and keep your social gatherings to less than 15 people. This is critically important to your own health and wellbeing and those around you, as well as keeping the campus open for classes this fall.
Remember - #InThisTogetherJWU.
