As Los Angeles County has seen a slow decline of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, the County’s Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has issued new guidance for higher education that allows for limited in-person on-campus activities.
Beginning March 15, Whittier College students, faculty, and staff may participate in the activities described below. While these new provisions are encouraging, It is important to note that the College has not been cleared to fully resume in-person instruction at this time. The College will adhere to strict protocols for masking, distancing, and infection control as required.
Library
Wardman Library will reopen in phases by reservation only for currently registered students, faculty, and staff up to 25% maximum capacity.
Athletics
As was announced earlier this month, Whittier Athletics will not be participating in any competition or practice for the remainder of the 2020-21 academic year.
The College is waiting on clarification from LACDPH regarding regulations that would allow students, faculty, and staff to have limited access to outdoor recreational sports facilities for permitted recreational sports activities and physical conditioning. More information will be forthcoming.
Outdoor Study & Wellness Spaces
Faculty and staff may offer outdoor study and support sessions for students who need additional academic and/or socio-emotional support with a limit of 10 people per group. Reservations will be required for these group meetings.
Art, Theatre, and Music
Art design, theater, art studios, and music practice rooms may, under certain circumstances, be available by reservation for eligible students to fulfill specific academic requirements. Requirements and eligible activities will be determined by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Usage of these spaces is limited to groups of four or less, including an instructor. Any activity that requires participants to remove their face masks (e.g., playing brass or wind instruments) must not be done as a group. However, individuals may practice such activities alone in a studio or practice room.
Film, Video, and Music Production
Access to film, video, and music production equipment and facilities may, under certain circumstances, be available by reservation for eligible students to fulfill specific academic requirements. Requirements and eligible activities will be determined by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Groups must be limited to 10 or fewer people and take place outdoors. Use of indoor space for post-production and editing activities is limited to groups of four or less, including an instructor.
All other academic instruction must continue to be done via remote-learning.
Faculty and other staff may come to campus for the purpose of providing remote instruction, and other activities related to the purposes above, as well as maintaining minimum basic operations. Employees working remotely should continue to do so unless approved for campus access by their division Vice President.
Members of the Whittier College community who come to campus must complete daily wellness checks. Additionally, all COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including wearing a mask at all times and maintaining a distance of six feet from others, will apply to anyone coming onto campus. Students, faculty, and staff must show a College ID and health screening pass when coming to campus. Anyone needing to replace a College ID can contact Campus Safety.
Details on the above plans will be provided before March 15. Additionally, students will receive guidance from their professors and advisors related to academic access to campus.
There will be no changes to residential life during the spring 2021 semester. All residential areas are open only to current residential students. No guests are permitted in residential areas at this time. Facilities not listed, including most academic and administrative buildings, will remain closed.
The Department of Public Health reiterated that on-campus events and social activities remain prohibited. As such, the College is planning to host a remote Commencement Ceremony for the graduating Class of 2021. More details will be provided to students and families in the coming week.
