COVID Protocols for Spring 2022

Happy New Year! I pray that you experienced a restorative and joy-filled Christmas season with friends and family.  We look forward to welcoming you back to campus for the spring semester.

We understand that the continued presence of COVID-19 continues to shape our reality, and will continue to impact our life together at Wake Forest University.  Nevertheless, we are confident that with continued vigilance and new precautions, we can have another successful semester in-person at Wake Divinity.  The vaccination and subsequent booster-shot requirement will help mitigate the potential for COVID-19 transmission on campus.

Allow me to note current protocols for spring semester.

Booster Requirements

• Wake Forest faculty, staff and students will be required to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose or receive an approved exemption. All students who have not been approved for a medical or religious exemption must provide proof of receiving the vaccine booster no later than Jan. 7, 2022.  Students can find details on how to upload vaccine information here.

Pre-arrival Testing

• Wake Forest strongly recommends that students, faculty and staff get tested through a local pharmacy, medical provider or self-administered test before returning to work or study on campus following the winter break. We understand that COVID tests are currently in short supply, and we encourage you to start seeking providers now. Wake Forest is not able to provide pre-arrival testing.
• In the event of a positive test result, do not come to campus. Students are required to report positive test results to the Student Health Service, and faculty and staff are required to report positive test results to the Faculty/Staff Clinic. These health care providers will issue guidance in the event of a positive test result. As a reminder, a negative test represents only a snapshot in time; vaccines, masks and other precautions remain important to mitigating viral spread.

Masking

• Face masks are required indoors. Face masks are highly effective at preventing transmission, and compliance is especially important given the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant.
  There will be no removal of masks indoors.  Food and drink must be served and consumed outdoors for all campus events.

University officials will continue to consult with public health officials and infectious disease experts. As conditions change, we may change. Though offering in-person instruction and engagement in our learning community remains a top priority along with your health and safety. We proved last semester that these priorities need not be in conflict.

Thank you for your continued commitment. You are indeed agents of justice, reconciliation, and compassion. You are architects of hope, equity, and healing!

One Luv

Jonathan Lee Walton
Dean of the School of Divinity & Wait Chapel
Presidential Chair in Religion & Society