WCU Takes Action RE COVID-19
As the health and safety of all West Chester University students, faculty, staff, and visitors is a critical priority, the University continues to monitor the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and has been actively engaged in reviewing the University’s emergency operations and its response strategies since the onset of the virus.
WCU’s COVID-19 Response
The following are among the actions that the University has taken to respond in a proactive way to COVID-19:
- Since January, Student Health Services has been monitoring the CDC and other national guidelines regarding ensuring the ongoing safety of the WCU community. Student Health Services is comprised of seasoned health professionals who remain up to date in their training and are in regular contact with the Chester County Health Department. Staff are informed as CDC guidelines and protocols are updated.
- Student Health Services providers are informed and prepared to assess, report and respond as required based on established protocols by the CDC and World Health Organization. Any concerns will be reported to the Chester County Health Department for additional guidance on infection control.
- Activated on January 30, the Infection Control Team (i.e., comprised of leaders from Cabinet, Student Health Services, Center for International Programs, Facilities, Public Safety, Residence Life, USH, University Communications and Marketing, Information Services and Technology, Campus EMS, Environmental Health and Safety, HR and Labor Relations, etc.) has met regularly to monitor the current situation, as well as to review the management and implementation of a health emergency plan.
- In January, spring break travel to China, as part of the MGT 387 course, was cancelled.
- WCU remains in communication with all of its study abroad students. Partnering organizations are providing on-site guidance to these students.
- On January 29, a campus-wide health update was issued with comprehensive information about COVID-19, how to help prevent the spread of viruses, etc.
- Health Update 1/31/20
- On February 26, WCU suspended official faculty, staff, and faculty-led study abroad travel to China, South Korea, Japan, and Italy.
- Health Update 3/2/20
- Health Update 3/5/20: Message from President Fiorentino
- On March 6, all official University-travel was suspended internationally and domestically outside of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for faculty, staff, and students.
- Health Update 3/6/20: WCU Suspends All Travel for University Business
- Health Update 3/10/20: Alternate Modes of Instruction for the Remainder of the Spring Semester
- Health Update 3/11/20: Update from President Fiorentino Regarding Spring Semester
- Health Update 3/20/20: Update from President Fiorentino
- Health Update 3/23/20: Update from President Fiorentino
- Health Update 3/25/20: President Fiorentino
- Health Update 3/30/20: Summer Update
- Commencement Update 4/3/20
- Health Update 5/15/20: Update Fall 2020
- Health Update 5/26/20: Admissions for Fall 2021
Student Health Services: Education Awareness Campaign
- Student Flu Clinics
During the Fall 2019 semester, Student Health Services held 22 flu clinics for students. A total of 1,428 doses of the influenza vaccine were administered. Wellness Promotion developed a flu prevention video that was played for students during the registration process. - Centers for Disease Control Microsite
On February 2, the Centers for Disease Control Microsite was added to the Student Health Services webpage to have current and up-to-date information. - Glow Germ Hand-washing Tables
Wellness Promotion created hand-washing stations through all residence hall and apartments’ community locations to educate students about proper hand washing beginning February 4. - The Stall Seat Journal
The Wellness Promotion restroom resources provides health and wellness Information across campus in restroom facilities.
Communications Strategy
- On January 31, University Communications and Marketing launched a social media campaign to educate students about the ways to help stop the spread of germs (i.e., all social media platforms, web release, Student Health Center webpage, digital signage, and student e-newsletter).
- The graphic has been promoted via social media, web release, Student Health Center webpage, digital signage, & student e-newsletter. The graphic was resized in multiple formats (Instagram story, Facebook post, digital signage, etc), and a link was provided to all of the graphic files so communicators around campus could download and publish.
- On February 27, a “How to Stay Healthy” Instagram takeover was launched. Senior Director of Wellness Promotion Jayme Trogus and a student health ambassador shared tips to stay healthy, how to wash hands properly, and other information at the Student Health Center.
- On February 28, University Communications and Marketing produced posters, flyers, and educational awareness literature to dispatch campus-wide to academic buildings, residence halls, departments, etc.
- On March 2, a motion graphic video was published on WCU's main social media platforms to promote tatics which help prevent the spread of the flu and respiratory viruses.
- On March 4, the "Rammy Shares Tips to Stay Healthy" video was published on WCU's social media.