News Archive

Monday, January 11, 2021

A new book by Dr. Russell E. Martin, professor of history at Westminster College, explores how royal weddings in early modern Russia were choreographed to broadcast powerful images of monarchy and dynasty.

Monday, January 11, 2021

Last semester we reported positive cases as we received the results from the laboratory. We learned this created much anxiety across campus. With the addition of surveillance testing this semester, we anticipate more positive results and want to share this information with the campus in such a way that supports a healthy community without creating undue stress. As such, we will send weekly updates with case counts and quarantine numbers at the same time as the COVID dashboard is updated. These messages will be sent on Monday afternoons. We hope this will be a welcome change.

Friday, January 8, 2021

You are receiving this email because you are a non-residential student who has not scheduled your testing time. Hopefully this email helps clear up our expectations.
 
Do I need to be tested before I return to campus? YES! We are asking you to have a PCR test prior to your return to campus and to upload those results to the Student Health Portal.  You will need to schedule this with a testing center near you.
 
How long before returning to campus should I be tested ? We are discovering that turnaround times for test results are much longer than anticipated. We recommend that you contact your local testing center and ask how long it will take to get your results. Then schedule far enough in advance that you can a) receive your results AND b) upload them to the Student Health Portal before you return to campus.  Ideally, your test would be no more than 5-6 days before your return.
 
Do I also need to be tested upon arrival to campus? YES! Please see the link below to schedule your testing appointment and report directly to Old 77. Your testing date is January 12 and you must use the non-residential student link to schedule.
 
What if I previously tested positive for COVID within the last 90 days? – You do not need to be tested on campus, but you do need to notify the Wellness Center and ensure your results are on file. If you were tested off campus, you’ll need to upload your positive results to the Student Health Portal.
 
TESTING REQUIRED – You are not permitted to attend class without being tested, unless you have had a positive COVID test within the last 90 days.  Tomorrow and Monday are the last days to sign up for a testing. Please do so immediately.

Friday, January 8, 2021

Westminster College prides itself for its strong alumni-to-student mentoring experiences, and under the guidance of a 2006 graduate, current student Hannah Fell conducted undergraduate research and presented her findings at the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers’ (IISE) Annual Conference.

Monday, January 4, 2021

The Westminster College Celebrity Series has rescheduled two events from the 2019-2020 season that were postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monday, January 4, 2021

Below is the initial email I sent before the holidays. There is a good deal of information contained and I know there is confusion. Thank you for your patience and for asking questions that help me understand what is not clear.  I’m hoping this follow up email will provide some clarity.
 

Friday, December 18, 2020

Career paths don’t always run in straight lines and two women from Westminster College—student Shaemour Young and professor Dr. Helen Boylan—emphasized that to local high school students during a virtual “A GEM Affair: Girls Engaging Mentors” event on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Alumni and friends of Westminster College responded to the nationwide Giving Tuesday challenge this year by generously donating to the New Wilmington, Pa., institution, surpassing last year’s successful campaign.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

As you know from the email sent last week, we are implementing new testing policies per PA guidelines. These testing policies begin at move-in and extend into surveillance testing throughout the semester.
Testing Appointments and Move-In will take place Thursday, January 14-Monday, January 18, 2021. The move-in process will be scheduled and staggered in order to prioritize the health and safety of our community. Please read the following information closely as the policy changes impact how we will conduct check-in appointments and move-in.
1. Pre-arrival quarantine and testing – Students are strongly encouraged to quarantine for 10-14 days prior to arrival and to get tested within 72-hours of your return. Quarantine will strengthen our ability to open strong and testing pre-arrival helps you manage your plans. Test results should be uploaded to the Student Health Portal. Students who do not provide a negative test result prior to arrival will be required to quarantine in their room on campus until a negative test result is received. Students who have had COVID within the last 90 days do not need to be tested, but must provide documentation by submitting the test result to the Student Health Portal if the testing was conducted off campus.
2. Pre-arrival symptom check – Before you leave home, check your temperature and signs of any symptoms. If you have symptoms or a temp above 100.4, stay home and contact Patrick Bussiere  (bussiepj@westminster.edu) as soon as possible to talk about your options.
3. Student Code of Conduct Addendum – Read, respond, and submit the addendum to the student code of conduct.
 
Scheduling your Testing Appointments and Move-In
* Schedule your testing appointment here https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=21015876&
* Appointments must be scheduled at least one week prior to your anticipated move in date.
 
What you can expect at testing check-in and move in
* Arrive at Old 77 for your testing appointment. If your test results are negative, you will be able to move into your residence hall. If you test positive, you will be required to isolate. Students who live within 6 hours from campus will be asked to return home to isolate. Students outside that range will isolate in Thompson House.
* Students who are not tested prior to arrival on campus will be tested using a PCR test and will be required to quarantine in their room until a negative test result is received (24-48 hours). They may leave only to pick up meals in the dining halls.
* Students who are tested within 72-hours of arrival to campus will be tested using a rapid antigen test. If the rapid test result is negative, the student will not be required to quarantine.
 
Additional Notes
* Each student will have a 30-minute window for move-in. Those who are newly moving to campus will have a 90-minute window.
* You are permitted to have 1 individual assist you. All will be required to wear a mask, follow physical distancing requirements, and sanitize their hands frequently. If anyone who is assisting you is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they should not come to campus with you.
* In order to ensure appropriate physical distancing, you and your roommate should not plan to move-in at the same time. Please talk with your roommate about your plans prior to signing up for a check-in and testing time.
* Westminster College will not be providing any shared moving bins or dollies. Please plan accordingly.
* Your meal plan will be active and dining facilities will be open beginning January 14, 2021.
* First year & transfer students – In addition to testing, you must have all your health forms completed in order to move into the residence halls.  Please view your New Student Checklist to make sure you’ve completed all your preparation items. You will be contacted by Residence Life to schedule your move in time on Saturday, January 16.

Friday, December 11, 2020

Funds from a Drinko Center Research Grant were able to provide Westminster College chemistry major Kelsey Kraft with additional lab necessities to study the chemical composition of industrial hemp.