Health & Safety at Walnut Hill College

Last Updated: August 28, 2022

 

Click the button above to access the protocols document

 

Important Updates

8/28/2022: UPDATE HEALTH & SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT MONKEYPOX 8/28/2022

8/24/2022: UPDATE HEALTH & SAFETY ACADEMIC YEAR COVID PROTOCOLS 8/24/2022

6/01/2022: UPDATE HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS 6/01/2022

1/04/2022: UPDATE HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS 1/04/2022

12/15/2021: HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 12/15/2021

8/24/2021: HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 08/24/2021

8/11/2021: HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS UPDATE 08/11/2021 

8/03/2021: FALL 2021 INCOMING FRESHMAN HEALTH & SAFETY 

1/18/2021: COVID-19 POLICIES & PROTOCOLS UPDATE

1/12/2021: IT’S OFFICIAL! ON-GROUND LEARNING RESUMES 1/16/21

12/23/2020: SAFER-AT-HOME EXTENSION AND RE-OPEN PLAN FOR 2021

8/26/2020: COVID-19 POLICIES & PROTOCOLS FOR THE 2020-2021 YEAR

7/27/2020: WALNUT HILL COLLEGE COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN

7/1/2020: NOTICE OF HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FALL 2020 CAMPUS REOPENING

6/15/2020: WALNUT HILL COLLEGE’S CAMPUS REOPENS THIS FALL – AUGUST 2020

6/1/2020: WALNUT HILL COLLEGE RECEIVES CARES ACT FUNDING FROM THE HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (HEERF).

4/20/2020: BEGINNING OF A NEW TERM 4 – Letter From Dean Morrow

4/06/2020: NOTICE OF REMOTE LEARNING CLASS CONTINUATION – TERM 4

3/18/2020: NOTICE OF REMOTE LEARNING CLASS CONTINUATION

3/13/2020: NOTICE OF SPRING BREAK MODIFICATION

3/12/2020: NOTICE OF CONTINUING CLASSES

3/12/2020: NOTICE OF FRESHMAN SHOWCASE POSTPONEMENT

3/11/2020: NOTICE OF GRADUATION POSTPONEMENT

 

 

Coronavirus Update

Walnut Hill College continues to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on our community. The health, welfare, and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is the top priority for WHC leadership. We have assembled a COVID-19 Health and Safety Team to align our response and preparedness with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Take Preventive Measures

We advocate taking a common-sense approach to prevention that promotes the all-around well-being of our campus community. Walnut Hill College encourages our faculty, staff, and students to:

  • Carry tissues to cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.
  • Clean and disinfect common surfaces.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay at home if you feel sick, and avoid close contact with others.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you are not in a location where handwashing is convenient.
  • Stay informed and follow advice from health authorities.

WHC’s Health Checklist

We will continue to monitor this outbreak and provide updates to our campus community. We understand that following the progression of the coronavirus (COVID-19) can be a source of stress. Faculty and staff will be available to discuss questions or concerns that you may have. The team at Walnut Hill College wants you to stay healthy during this flu season, so we will continue to keep you informed as well as address any concerns related to the coronavirus. But, above all, we encourage all members of our WHC community to support and look out for each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Staying Safe & Healthy on Campus

What can I do to keep our campus safe and health?

This is the best question you can ask!

The BEST thing you can do is to GET VACCINATED!

Everyone can help to keep the campus healthy and safe by following our protocols based on guidance from the CDC and local, city, and state agencies. Our protocols may seem cumbersome, but luckily there is something else that you could to protect yourself and the college community. You can get vaccinated.

All students, staff and visitors must wear a mask while indoors. Non-vaccinated individuals must double-mask. Socially distancing yourself from others, maintaining effective hygiene practices, and monitoring your own health are all good ways of remaining healthy as well.

Students who are sick should not come to campus, attend classes, or engage in any other in-person college activities. Non-vaccinated students who have a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or any symptoms of COVID-19, email health@walnuthillcollege.edu for guidance. Vaccinated students who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should email health@walnuthillcollege.edu for guidance. 

 

Do I need to self-quarantine before coming to campus?

No, you are not required to quarantine prior to coming to campus. Follow all health and safety protocols upon arrival to campus. 

 

Will I have to wear a face mask while on campus?

Yes. As part of the college’s focus on health and safety, all students, staff, faculty, and visitors to campus will be required to wear a face-covering when on campus. Face coverings that cover the mouth and nose, which may be homemade or commercially available, must be worn while on campus in building entrances, lobbies, hallways, classrooms, common areas as well as outdoors. 

 

Will faculty and staff be required to wear face masks? How about other visitors to our campus?

Yes. In accordance with the City of Philadelphia’s mask mandate as of August 12, 2021, all individuals must wear a mask indoors at businesses that are not fully vaccinated.

If you are vaccinated, you may wear a single mask while indoors.

If you are not vaccinated, you must double mask indoors.

Masks are not required when you are seated and eating or drinking in our dining areas.

 

Is the college doing anything to help keep students, faculty, and staff safe?

Yes, of course! The college wants to promote a safe and healthy campus environment for all students, staff, faculty and visitors. The college has developed policies and procedures that are available here.

 

Are students, faculty and staff expected to self-check for symptoms?

Yes. Students, faculty, staff, and guests are expected to self-monitor their own personal health status. Students who are sick should not come to campus, attend classes, or engage in any other in-person college activities. Non-vaccinated students who have a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or any symptoms of COVID-19, email health@walnuthillcollege.edu for guidance. Vaccinated students who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should email health@walnuthillcollege.edu for guidance.

 

What are the expectations prior to my arrival to campus each day?

Students will be asked to self-monitor their health and make decisions that will help prevent illness, specifically Covid 19, from spreading to campus. The college has developed a five-question survey that non-vaccinated students should take before coming to campus, leaving the dormitories, or attending class or each day. The completion of the survey will be a requirement for attending class for all non-vaccinated students. Instructors will review the survey prior to allowing a student to attend class each day.

Students who are sick should not come to campus, attend classes, or engage in any other in-person college activities. Non-vaccinated students who have a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or any symptoms of COVID-19, email health@walnuthillcollege.edu for guidance. Vaccinated students who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should email health@walnuthillcollege.edu for guidance.

Additionally, students should be prepared to follow all college policies, especially those that relate to the health and safety of the student, and the entire college community. In addition to monitoring your health daily, the CDC provides details on how best to protect yourself and the community that includes regular and proper handwashing, wearing appropriate face coverings, maintaining a distance of 6-feet from others when possible, cleaning, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces often, and other recommendations.

 

What should I do if I am sick?

Students who are sick should not come to campus, attend classes, or engage in any other in-person college activities. Non-vaccinated students who have a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or any symptoms of COVID-19, email health@walnuthillcollege.edu for guidance. Vaccinated students who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should email health@walnuthillcollege.edu for guidance.

 

Have any special cleaning and sanitation measures been put in place?

Yes, however, the college has ALWAYS taken steps to provide a healthy, clean, and safe environment. We are monitoring the CDC, Department of Health, and governmental guidelines for updated cleaning and sanitizing practices so that we can modify our procedures if needed. Throughout campus, students, faculty, staff, and guests will have access to hand disinfectant and cleaning/disinfection supplies. Classrooms and public spaces will be cleaned even more often than normal with special attention being paid to high-contact surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and countertops.

 

Who is specifically in charge of keeping our campus clean, our students, staff and visitors healthy and safe, and monitoring changes, regulations and laws as they relate to the virus?

About 400+ people! Every single student, faculty member, staff member, guest, and visitor to our campus must oblige by the best-practices, public-laws, community expectations, and our college’s requirements to fully cooperate to best ensure everyone’s health and safety.

Do not rely on the college, a government agency, or even your doctor to absolutely ensure your health. Certainly, they will guide and assist. However, it is you, how you care for yourself, how you are in public, and your role as a responsible citizen that will help us all succeed.

 

What is contact tracing and will I be required to do it?

The CDC explains that contact tracing is used by health departments to prevent the spread of infectious disease. In general, contact tracing involves identifying people who have an infectious disease and any non-vaccinated close contacts (people who may have been exposed). For COVID-19, a close contact is defined as anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes during a 24-hour period starting from 48 hours before the person began feeling sick until the time the patient was isolated.

Non-vaccinated students can help to reduce the spread of COVID 19 by maintaining a list of locations they go to and contacts they have had. If you test positive, you will need to work with the state’s Department of Health and anyone you came into contact within the days prior to the onset of symptoms. The Department of Health can use that log to trace your contacts should you become ill or contract the virus. You will not be required to share this information with anyone else and will not be asked to share the information unless you become symptomatic.

The CDC suggests that vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine nor isolate if they have been in close contact with an infected individual. Vaccinated individuals who have been in close contact with an infected individual should monitor their health conditions and get tested for COVID-19 should they begin to exhibit symptoms. Contact health@walnuthillcollege.edu if you want additional guidance.

 

Classes and Classroom Instruction

 

What is WHC plan for classes during the fall term?

As a College, we are determined in our fight against this pandemic while instituting policies and procedures to mitigate risks, provide quality education, and offer safe housing to our students. Walnut Hill College intends to return to on-ground operations for the fall 2021 term utilizing all on-ground instruction with the exception of classes previously taught remotely as a part of the colleges Extended Program.

 

Will my classes be held on-ground or on-line?

All classes will be held on-ground with the exception of classes previously taught remotely as a part of the colleges Extended Program.

 

Will I have to wear a face mask in class?

Yes. As part of the college’s focus on health and safety, all students, staff, faculty, and visitors to campus will be required to wear a face-covering when on campus. Non-vaccinated students, staff and guests will be required to double mask. 

 

What will my classes be like this fall?

Walnut Hill College remains committed to providing a dynamic and distinct learning experience for all students in all classes. Our hands-on (Supervised Lab, Production, and Operations) classes will continue to provide you with the instruction and practice you need to become technically skilled in the kitchen, bar, and dining room. Our lecture and demonstration classes that are directly related to your program of study will continue in the vibrant nature it always has. Although General Education/Liberal Arts classes for our upperclassman will be delivered remotely, our faculty have devised new and exciting ways to incorporate active learning via Zoom class sessions and Schoology.

 

Can I wear a Plexiglas face shield instead of a face mask in class?

No. According to the CDC, “It is not known if face shields provide any benefit as source control to protect others from the spray of respiratory particles. CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings.” As such, a face shield will not be permitted in place of a face mask/covering, however, students who want to wear them in addition to a face mask/covering will be permitted to do so.

Classes and Academic Schedules

 

When will my schedule and new class formats be finalized?

Final class schedules will be available in the student portal two weeks prior to the start of classes.

 

Will I still be able to adjust my class schedule?

Inquiries regarding class schedule adjustments should be sent to Student Success Advisor, Mr. Pilch at eplich@walnuthillcollege.edu or by phone at 267-295-2310 to see if accommodations may be made.

 

Can I schedule any retake or make up courses.

As always retake and make up courses are scheduled through your Student Success Advisor. You should contact Student Success Advisor, Mr. Pilch at eplich@walnuthillcollege.edu or by phone at 267-295-2310 no sooner than 2 weeks prior to the start of the term to ensure course and space availability.

 

What if I fall into a high-risk group or have a health condition that requires that I take only online courses this fall?

As always, if you have a health condition that requires a reasonable accommodation, you should contact Student Success Advisor, Mr. Pilch at eplich@walnuthillcollege.edu

 

What if I do not feel comfortable returning to campus and I want to take online courses this fall?

The college is not offering remote instruction this fall. If you need support with scheduling classes, you should contact Student Success Advisor, Mr. Pilch at eplich@walnuthillcollege.edu or by phone at 267-295-2310 to see if accommodations may be made. Any schedule adjustments may cause a delay in the student’s graduation date.

 

Will there be any changes to the Academic Calendar?

 

The College Academic Calendar is available here and is presently up to date. The ever-changing nature of COVID-19 may require changes to the calendar throughout the year. Check regularly for updates.

 

Residential Life: Dormitories

 

In planning on returning to campus to continue my dreams about following my passions and turn them into a degree and an amazing career; what should I prepare to bring with me?

In addition to items you need for daily life, students should consider bringing a thermometer, a supply of face masks, and hand sanitizer; although remember that proper hand-washing is more effective than sanitizer alone. , Vitamins have been proven to improve your immune system, however only bring them if you already been approved to take them from your doctor. 

 

Will there be any changes made to Residential Life and Learning and dormitories this fall?

    • Non-vaccinated students will be housed on the same floor and/or in the same dormitories in single rooms only.
    • In nearly every incidence, there are no triple or quadruple occupancies.
    • We will restrict any unnecessary gatherings.
    • While we are always insistent on clean rooms, you will notice more inspections and careful attention to having everyone cooperate by keeping your room, your resident hall, and our college community healthy and safe.
    • We will require that you be reasonable when using the laundry rooms.
    • Also, you must be very neat and orderly when using snack centers.
    • You will notice a few more evening and weekend events that will offer fun, educational, and safe gatherings.
    • The college has taken several steps to support health and safety measures in the dorms.

 

What are the dates for move-in?

August 29th for underclassmen and August 31st  for upperclassmen.

 

Can I come at any time to move in?

No. In order to manage the number of students returning to campus on a given day and conduct move-in more safely, we will use a move-in reservation system in which upper-class students will reserve time slots on the specified move-in dates while underclassmen will be assigned move-in times.

 

How many family members and/or friends may I bring to help me move in?

Members of the College’s Welcome Home staff will meet all students in the College’s main parking lot and transfer their belongings to a utility cart.  The Welcome Home staff will then deliver your belongings to your room.  Once the Welcome Home Staff leaves your room, you and up to two (2) guests may assist you in setting up your room.  It is very important to bring only the minimum necessary items with you to school in the fall.

 

How long do I have to set up my room?

Students are scheduled to move in each hour therefore we are requiring the room be cleared no later than 5 minutes before the hour, each hour. 

For Example, your scheduled move in time is 10:00am. 

  1. You will enter the College’s main parking lot at 10:00 a.m.
  2. The Welcome Home Staff will transfer your belongings to a utility cart while you register
  3. Your belongings will be delivered to your room
  4. You may bring up to 2 people to assist you with setting up your room
  5. You and your guests must leave the room before 10:55 a.m.

 

What do we do after I move into my room?

You and your guest(s) are invited to Bistro Perrier in the Alison Mansion where you will enjoy a time appropriate meal.  The Walnut Hill College Hospitality Tent will also be available during this time to assist you with any last-minute details or address any questions you or your guests have.  Student and Parent sessions will be held shortly after your move in time. See your mailed schedule for details. 

 

Am I allowed to have outside visitors in my dorm room or dorm building during the fall term?

Vaccinated students may visit other vaccinated students rooms in accordance with the Residential Life and Learning handbook. Non-vaccinated students are not permitted to have any guests nor visit any other student rooms.

Outside visitors are not permitted in dormitories as their vaccination status cannot be confirmed. You can feel free to meet with your guests in public spaces or in outdoor locations on campus, but during this time the college is not permitting outside guests in dormitories.

 

Am I allowed to have other students in my dorm room or dorm building during the fall term?

Vaccinated students may visit other vaccinated students rooms in accordance with the Residential Life and Learning handbook. Non-vaccinated students are not permitted to have any guests nor visit any other student rooms.

 

Campus Life

 

Will student organization meetings and student activities occur on campus?

Yes. Expect student clubs/organizations and student activities to take place both remotely and on-ground. Understand that some adjustments might be made to help ensure everyone’s health and safety.

 

Any changes regarding the restaurants?

Yes. As of now the city of Philadelphia is permitting indoor dining at restaurants. Patrons will be required to wear masks when they are not seated and eating. The college will closely and carefully monitor government regulators and change policies as needed.

 

Any changes for our pastry shop and college store?

 

Yes. As of now the city of Philadelphia is permitting indoor dining at restaurants. Patrons visiting our Pastry Shop will be required to wear masks when they are not seated and eating.

 

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Preparations

 

How is WHC handling testing for COVID-19?

Walnut Hill College is located in the heart of University City Pennsylvania. We are neighbors with the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian health systems, among others. Although the college does not offer onsite testing or healthcare, there are several walk-up and drive through testing centers located nearby. These are easily found by visiting https://www.phila.gov/covid-testing-sites/#/.

 

What will happen if a student or staff member is diagnosed with the virus?

The college will work with the local Department of Health and follow all recommendations and requirements from them.

 

If I am diagnosed with the virus and/or required to self-isolate or leave campus, how will this effect attendance, missed quizzes and exams, projects due, etc.?

Students should review our Health and Safety Protocols found here for details related to absences and grading.

 

Will an individual’s information about testing and any medical conditions be kept confidential?

Yes. In accordance with HIPPA and FERPA laws, Walnut Hill College will keep all information about a specific individual confidential. Only required college administrators will have access to a person’s medical information. They will keep this information strictly confidential. Although the college, as a place of employment, is required to disclose if someone on campus has the virus, names will never be disclosed.

 

What if the situation changes?

The college recognizes that this remains fluid and rapidly changing situation and we are committed to carefully monitoring and responding to new information about COVID-19 and its effects, just as we expect our student body to do. The college has developed several contingency plans and is prepared to adjust our plans quickly so that we may keep our community safe. Your flexibility, understanding, patience, and support will be greatly appreciated!

 

I have a suggestion or see a potentially worrisome situation as it relates to managing the virus challenge. Who do I talk to?

Please contact health@walnuthillcollege.edu and someone will respond to you as promptly as possible. 

 

Who do I talk to if I have a question about how the college is managing the virus that has not already been answered?

Should you have any questions that are not answered in the Frequently Asked Questions or the college’s Health and Safety webpages, please contact health@walnuthillcollege.edu and someone will respond to you as promptly as possible. 

For additional information regarding the Walnut Hill College COVID-19 reopening, please see our HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN

 

Contact Information and Alerts

We communicate important information about school closings, delays, and emergencies through our Campus Alert Hotline at 215-222-4200 ext. 3333.

If you have questions related to COVID-19, WHC policies, measures, or safety protocols, please email us at health@walnuthillcollege.edu

If you have an emergency, the University of Pennsylvania Police Department is available 24/7 at 215-573-3333. Alternatively, dial 911 for the Philadelphia Police Department.

What to Do If You Feel Ill or Have Been Exposed

Non-vaccinated individuals who have been in close contact an individual infected with COVID-19, or who starts to feel symptoms outlined on this page, please alert the WHC Health and Safety Team ASAP at health@walnuthillcollege.edu, so that we can take the necessary precautions to protect the safety of our community. In accordance with CDC Guidelines, vaccinated individuals should continue to monitor their health and get tested if they exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19.