Spring 2021: Information for Undergraduate Students

As Baldwin Wallace begins the spring 2021 semester we ask that all students once again come to campus prepared to follow health and safety protocols, including personal PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All students are asked to have the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• 3-5 reusable/washable cloth face masks — All students are required to wear masks in all public areas of campus. In addition, all students were provided two (2) washable cloth masks in their first days on campus.
• Personal digital thermometer (mercury thermometers are not permitted due to safety concerns) — All students are required to complete a daily online check-in with temperature before attending class or visiting dining facilities.
• Personal use hand sanitizer — All students must have access to their own hand sanitizer in addition to the stations available throughout campus.
• Supplemental surface sanitizing supplies — Students may want to supplement cleaning supplies that are available in classrooms, common areas and recreation areas with personal surface sanitizing products.

Other Items to Consider Bringing to Campus

• Medications — Students may want to have acetaminophen or ibuprofen on hand for fever or discomfort, along with any additional medications regularly taken or prescribed.
• Insurance information — Have your health insurance information available either on your person or your phone. You will not need this for most services provided at the BW Health Center but would need to provide it if you require COVID-19 testing or care at other local healthcare providers.

Maintaining a Healthy Campus

• Testing, screening and contact tracing: To help protect our students, faculty and staff from COVID-19, BW has developed a robust and comprehensive program of testing, screening and contact tracing. View protocols.
• Even more important than the physical infrastructure changes and other measures we are taking for your safety is the need for all of us to be willing to adhere to new safety requirements. Those include wearing masks while indoors and in the company of others, maintaining minimum 6-foot physical distancing, adhering to guidance on group gatherings and living on campus, and following lab, practice room and athletic protocols.
• Our students, faculty and staff are asked to demonstrate care for each other through compliance with these safety measures. We are all expected to politely offer and accept reminders to adhere to these safety measures as we make our way through this academic year.
• The BW Be Safe Pledge is the first way we all agree to demonstrate care for each other. Students, faculty and staff signed this agreement prior to the start of classes. Everyone also completed online, COVID-19 awareness and safety training and committed to using an app for daily health check-ins.
• Students are able to access health and wellness services and support provided on campus through the BW Health Center and the Recreation Center. Access to COVID-19 testing is available at the Health Center or other local providers or hospitals.
• Enhanced cleaning protocols across campus are based on the CDC's "Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces" and require the use of U.S. EPA-approved disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2. The overall disinfection and cleaning of surfaces is completed by BW custodial teams on a scheduled basis, with frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, sink handles, drinking fountains, grab bars, hand railings, bathroom stalls) cleaned at least daily or between use as much as possible.
• Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to use disinfectant wipes to wipe down shared desks, lab equipment and other shared objects and surfaces before use.
• Classrooms and some common areas are provided with CDC-approved disinfectant and roll towels to facilitate the increased frequency of wiping high touch points during the day.
• In addition, the custodial staff has increased the frequency of restroom cleaning to twice daily in all residence halls and academic buildings and three times daily in the student union and recreation center.
• NEW this semester is TimelyCare, a free 24/7 Telemedicine Medical and Mental Healthcare service available to all BW students and staff. TimelyCare mental health providers can discuss: stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationships, and other issues. TimelyCare medical providers can help treat: cold, flu, sinus infections, allergies, and other basic medical needs. BW students and staff can create a new free account at TimelyCare. Get started at timelycare.com/baldwinwallace

Can New Students Defer Their Enrollment?

Students who wish to evaluate the admission and financial aid implications of deferring their admission to the start of another semester or potentially withdrawing from BW during or after their first semester at BW should contact Joyce Cendroski, Director of Undergraduate Admission, by phone at (440) 826-8004 or by email at jcendros@bw.edu.

Introducing the BW BE SAFE MVP rewards program! Get spotted doing the right thing during COVID and you'll get a $5 gift card to Starbucks and a chance to win a big prize in weekly drawings. Learn more.

The primary goal driving the COVID-19 health safety protocols that have been implemented for spring 2020 is to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus for the entire BW community. To achieve that goal, everyone in the BW community must do their part, which means complying with all health safety protocols. Any students, faculty or staff member who undermines the well-being of our community will be subject to a non-compliance resolution process appropriate to their role.

Enforcement

All student students, faculty and staff are expected to demonstrate behaviors consistent with the health safety protocols established by the University. Occasional, unintentional instances of non-compliance can be resolved with immediate compliance with the safety strategies when reminded. However, repeated or willful failure to comply or belligerence when asked to comply will result in a report to Student Conduct.

Any member of the BW community can submit a report online at bw.edu/report-violation.

• In more formal settings (e.g., classrooms, recreation center, residence halls, library, etc.), faculty and staff members should submit reports of non-compliance of students. Faculty and staff should submit reports of non-compliance of other BW employees. Reports can be submitted online at bw.edu/report-violation.
• Students can share concerns/submit reports about non-compliance of faculty or staff with any faculty or staff member with whom they feel comfortable. Faculty or staff members receiving such reports should then forward the report to BW's Office of Human Resources at hr@bw.edu. Students may also submit the report online at bw.edu/report-violation.
• Students should file reports of non-compliance of other students with anyone in authority on campus, including RAs, Residence Hall Directors, faculty, staff, Campus Security, etc. Anyone receiving these reports must submit them to Student Conduct at bbeyer@bw.edu. Students may also submit the report online at bw.edu/report-violation.

Student Non-Compliance Resolution Process

Students making their first appearance with Student Conduct for non-compliance with health safety protocols will be placed on probation and issued a sanction commensurate with the magnitude of their infraction and degree of acceptance of responsibility for their non-compliance. Sanctions are outlined in the chart below. Given the risks to the health and well-being of the student and the BW community, parents/guardians and coaches (if applicable) will be informed of the student’s probation (including warning of suspension).

Students should be aware that they are obligated to follow the University’s health safety protocols while they are both on and off campus. For those students who live in near-campus housing, the Berea Police are working cooperatively with the University and will inform BW about students who they have cited for any offenses (e.g., underage consumption of alcohol, noise violations, etc.). Failure to wear masks or to maintain physical distancing may also be indicated in police reports, which will initiate the Student Conduct process for all students involved and for all students whose names are listed on the lease. Finally, any student in near-campus housing who disregards or responds inappropriately to requests for safety compliance by Julie Candela, BW community liaison, will receive a referral to Student Conduct.

It is clear from the experiences at other universities across the country that the greatest threat to the well-being of campus communities is non-compliance with safety protocols at large events (involving more than 10 guests), most often held at off-campus residences or other off-campus locations. Therefore, during the coronavirus pandemic, the following actions will result in a referral to Student Conduct:

Organizing and/or hosting, either individually or with others, an event, party or other gathering, or attending such an event, where the attendees are not required to, or willfully fail or refuse to, adhere to the requirements of the BW Be Safe Pledge or of state or local public health laws, regulations or orders, including but not limited to the requirements to maintain appropriate physical distancing (6 feet based on current public health guidance) and wear an appropriate face mask. This applies to events that are organized and/or held on or off campus.

Fines collected will be directed toward the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund. This fund assists students who due to COVID-19 may have technology needs, food insecurity and other financial obstacles.

Employee Non-Compliance Resolution Process

Upon receipt of a complaint regarding employee non-compliance with BW’s health safety protocols, BW's Director of Human Resources will forward the complaint to the appropriate supervisor of the employee. A written warning and possible additional sanctions will be issued commensurate with the magnitude of the infraction and degree of acceptance of responsibility for the non-compliance. If the employee continues to exhibit non-compliance with the health safety protocols, more severe sanctions will be imposed, up to and including termination.

Campus Living

• This year residence halls are "de-densified" with many students in single rooms and no more than two students per room.
• Bathroom facilities and common areas have restricted occupancy levels.

Residence Hall Policy Updates

• All students are required to wear face masks in residence halls when not in their individual room.
• No more than two people in an elevator at a time. Please follow posted signage.
• After move-in, only BW students are permitted as guests in residence halls and campus apartments. Each residential student is allowed one student guest at a time.
• Lounges, bathrooms and laundry rooms will have a maximum capacity clearly indicated on signage. Students are required to wear a face mask and follow 6-foot physical distancing guidelines.
• All high traffic areas (e.g., entrance doors, elevators, water fountains, community bathrooms) are professionally cleaned and sanitized twice a day. Residence halls with individual bathrooms are cleaned once a week.
• Students are responsible for cleaning their individual rooms and are expected to help keep the community spaces clean.

• Commuter students have access to all dining locations, the library and campus resources following all new health protocols, including limited room capacities.
• The Commuter Lounge in Heritage Hall is open to six (6) commuter students at a time to support 6-foot physical distancing. Computers have been removed and the number of chairs has been reduced.
• CAB Thursday Pizza has been temporarily suspended.
• When you come to campus, please arrive prepared with proper COVID-19 health and safety items like masks and hand sanitizer. See a full list of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) all students are asked to bring to campus.
• Required daily health check-ins and all other health protocols apply to both commuter and residential students.

How to Dine this Spring

Dining on campus will continue as established during the fall semester with one exception. Reservations are NOT required in the spring semester for dining in the Strosacker Union Dining Hall.

Please review the FAQs listed below for details to dine on campus this spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Meals Served?

The Strosacker Union Dining Hall began the semester by offering take-out only. Self-service buffets have been replaced with individually portioned, served buffets.

Students have one compostable container and as they proceed through food stations, servings are presented in compostable boats. Students choose their desired food and beverage and sit in de-densified seating in the dining hall or carry their food to another location.

Additional compostable containers are available and plastic bags are located at the bagging station.

Additional grab-n-go services are available in the newly redesigned Colony Café (formerly the Colony Room) and Lang Dining Hall.

Where Can I Sit and Eat?

Students may eat in the dining halls when space is available. Students can also find de-densified dining spaces within the Union in Sandstone 1, Sandstone 2 and Sandstone 3 rooms during the hours of 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The Quarry room is not available for dining.

Can I use my own water bottle instead of the plastic disposable cups?

No, in adherence with the CDC guidelines, reusable or personal cups are not allowed. You can fill a disposable cup with lid with any hot or cold beverage offered in our dining hall.

What measures are in place to dine safely?

Dining services cares about you! As part of our mission to keep you safe, we present continuous sanitizing at all food stations - You Eat, We Clean, Repeat. You’ll also find additional waste containers have been placed throughout campus.

Masks must always be worn inside dining halls and retail food locations and may be removed only when individuals are eating in designated areas.

What about special nutritional needs and diets?

We continue to diversify the nutritional profiles of our menus to accommodate a variety of needs and preferences. We are here to support your nutritional goals.

If you have food allergies, intolerance, or other special-dietary concerns, please make sure to consult the chef or dining manager on duty for specific ingredient questions. Students may also choose to set up a meeting with the Dining Services Registered Dietetic Technician, Marie Oravec, (440) 826-2348.

Will you offer sushi nights and themed nights?

Yes, later this spring, theme nights will return. The start dates for these are to be determined.

Where did Buzzy's General Store go?

Buzzy’s is no longer operating in the Student Union. Popular items from the Buzzy's market are offered at Lang and throughout BW’s other dining operations and bookstore locations.

Locations, Hours of Operation and Payment

This year's hours of operation have changed for both dining halls and retail locations. Stay up to date through the MyBW Dining page and campus announcements. And follow us on Instagram @bwudining.

Union Dining Hall

Your main dining hall where students can enjoy comfort foods, fresh greens and salads, house made soups, pizza, pasta and scrumptious desserts. Fresh favorites from the grill include burgers, chicken, tenders and fries. Specialty stations offer foods with international flare and our daily allergen-friendly zone to satisfy all healthy choices. Look for "Late Night Dining Themes," too.

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Weekends, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Accepted forms of payment: Meal Equivalency and Flex

Colony Café

Located on the main floor of Strosacker Student Union, the Colony Café (formerly the Colony Room) serves lunch and dinner, offering a variety of soups, salads, gourmet sandwiches and deli wraps, fresh bakery and a variety of snacks.

Hours of Operation: Sunday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Accepted forms of payment: Meal Equivalency and Flex *Limit 3 ME swipes per transaction

Hive Café

Located on the ground floor of the Strosacker Student Union, the Hive Café serves Tofts Ice cream, milkshakes, fruit smoothies and fresh brewed coffee and specialty drinks.

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Closed on weekends (spring semester 2021)

Accepted forms of payment: Meal Equivalency and Flex *Limit 3 ME swipes per transaction

Lang Dining Hall

Located within Lang Residence Hall, Lang Dining serves breakfast and lunch, featuring a daily special along with a variety of sandwiches, soups and wraps, signature favorites with additional grab-n-go items. Choose from a variety of desserts as well! Lang also includes a selection of perishable and nonperishable convenience items.

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Closed on weekends and holidays

Accepted forms of payment: Meal Equivalency and Flex *Limit 3 ME swipes per transaction

Smoothie Bar - Lou Higgins Recreation Center

Closed until further notice

Starbucks

Passionate purveyors of coffee, a unique coffeehouse experience, offering a selection of premium teas, fine pastries and other delectable treats to please the taste buds. Enjoy a vibe with music chosen for its artistry and appeal.

Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Accepted forms of payment: Meal Equivalency and Flex *Limit 2 ME swipes per transaction

BW is committed to a high-quality, personalized education that challenges and supports our students on their path toward graduation. We plan for the majority of undergraduate classes to be held in-person, taught by BW's dedicated and expert faculty, in the same small class sizes that define a BW education. 

Academic Calendar

• To ensure flexibility, undergraduate students will follow a modified 16-week semester schedule.

• The first day of classes is January 19, with in-person classes ending May 7, 2021.

• View the spring 2021 academic calendar and final exam schedule.

• There is no spring break scheduled in the 2021 academic year.

• There are three mid-semester breaks scheduled with no classes in session with exceptions of Graduate programs, Mini A, and once a week classes that meet on the following days: Thursday February 18, Wednesday March 10, Good Friday April 2. 

Variety of course design

• All classes employ blended instruction that includes in-person and synchronous remote instruction.
• For in-person instruction, classrooms have been modified to allow appropriate space to meet while maintaining 6-foot distancing and wearing masks. Most classrooms have enough space for the entire class to meet in person. However, some classes are divided into small groups to facilitate rotation of in-person and remote instruction.
• For synchronous remote instruction, students attend the live class remotely (such as from your dorm room, home or other location), allowing for interaction and participation in class activity.
• Your professor should have contacted you prior to the start of classes to communicate the schedule of in-person and remote sessions as well as any small group assignments.
• Some classes may be converted to fully online at the request of the professor. If that is the case, the class will be indicated as "online" in the "Meeting Information" section on your schedule.

Classroom health and safety

• BW Be Safe protocols are provided as part of a syllabus link on all Blackboard course sites.
• Students should clean personal spaces (work surface and chair) before each class. 
• More time between scheduled classes to reduce crowding during class changes.
• Students have access to academic technology to participate remotely as needed to ensure campus safety or as required by individual circumstances.
• Students can take advantage of flexible advising opportunities with a mix of in-person and virtual office hours.
• Professors will be wearing masks. When necessary, masks will include clear plastic inserts for our hearing-impaired students. 
• Some specialized areas, like performance and practice spaces, include passive PPE barriers (plexiglass, etc.) to maintain 6-foot physical distancing and help block the spread of heavy airborne contaminants.

Classroom technology

• BW invested in classroom technology to connect remote students and in-class students.
• Microphones and cameras have been installed. 
• Twelve classrooms across campus have been upgraded as interactive remote instruction hubs for professors and students.
• Across campus, Wi-Fi signal strength is being increased so that on the days you are participating in remote instruction, you will have the bandwidth and Wi-Fi connectivity needed to attend class.

Specialized spaces

• Science labs, art studios, practice rooms and all other specialized spaces are being adjusted to give you the opportunity for hands-on experiences while maintaining safety protocols.

Places to Study Between Classes

There are a number of classrooms in buildings across campus available for students seeking a safe place to study between classes or to tune in to a remote class. Schedules with room availability are posted next to classroom doors. Available rooms are located in Chamber Hall (in the Boesel Musical Arts Center), Dietsch Hall, Lou Higgins Recreation Center, Kleist Center, Kamm Hall, Marting Hall, Malicky Center, Ritter Library, Telfer Hall, Wheeler Hall, and Wilker Hall.

Request for remote learning

• The deadline has passed for students to request to take all of their classes online for the spring 2021 semester.

• BW will maintain an active campus life, offering students activities, events and services with health and safety modifications, such as prescheduling and limits on capacity to protect health and safety.
• On-campus academic and cultural events are limited to participating students and sponsoring faculty and staff only. 
• Events may be archived or simulcast (as permitted by licensing agreements) for others to watch remotely.
• The size of the audience permitted at events will be limited to revised facility capacities that maintain physical distancing and utilize approved seating configurations. View updated meeting/event guidelines.

Spring 2021 Study Abroad

The BW Study Abroad Travel Policy

Currently, The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel Global Health Advisory. BW does not operate programs in countries where there is a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel or Level 4 – Do Not Travel Advisory Rating from U.S. Department of State or where there is an Alert Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions or Warning Level 3- Avoid Nonessential Travel from the CDC.

Public Health Advice

During periods of heightened risks, such as COVID-19, BW closely monitors the countries where our programs operate, such as movement restrictions or quarantine requirements that would potentially impact the program. We have relied on the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), regarding limitations and restrictions surrounding international travel.

Summer and Fall 2021 Study Abroad

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for health and safety and for travel, BW will continue to monitor the situation before making any determinations about study abroad for summer and fall 2021.

Currently, programs will run as scheduled, unless the U.S. State Department issues a level 3 or 4 travel alert or the CDC issues a level 2 or 3 travel alert for host countries. Because of the uncertainty, students should develop a back-up plan and prepare for both, studying abroad and for program cancellations. This means, staying in contact with Explorations/Study Abroad and academic advisors.

• Course Registration: It is recommended students register for fall 2021 BW on-campus courses and housing (if needed) during their normal registration time. Once a final decision has been made about fall 2021 travel, students can adjust their academic schedules accordingly.
• Flights: Students should not purchase flights until they have received notice to do so from Explorations/Study Abroad.
• Communication and Backup Plans: Explorations/Study Abroad will provide updates throughout the spring and summer and will provide students with guidance for developing back-up plans.

Spring 2022 Faculty-Led Seminars

Currently, spring 2022 faculty-led seminars will run as scheduled unless the U.S. Department of state issues a level 3 or 4 alert or if the CDC issues a level 2 or 3 alert for host countries. Explorations/Study Abroad continues to monitor the situation and will keep students informed if travel advisories change.

• Notification of Travel Cancellations: For programs with travel in May, a final decision regarding travel will be made in February 2022. For programs with travel in March, a final decision regarding travel will be made in December 2021.
• Refunds: If travel is canceled, students will receive a full refund of the program fee to their BW student account.
• Courses: Students will remain registered for the course(s) associated with their faculty-led seminar. Faculty may alter course content and assignments. Depending on these adjustments, International Studies Core and Experiential Learning fulfilment may be adjusted. Students will receive specific details about course back-up plans, adjustments, and changes directly from their faculty leaders.
• Withdrawal/Cancellation Fees: The deadline to withdraw from the seminar is November 15. If a student withdraws after this date, they will forfeit the non-refundable deposit and be charged a $300 cancellation fee. Depending on the late cancellation date, a student may incur additional cancellation fees or may be responsible for the entire program fee. For specific details, please contact the Explorations/Study Abroad Center. To withdraw, students must submit a statement in writing to Explorations/Study Abroad directly.

Explorations/Study Abroad Center

The study abroad center continues to be available and active through virtual meetings, phone calls and email. Students can schedule in-person appointments following campus health safety guidelines. Virtual appointments will remain available as well.

• Phone: (440) 826-2231
• Email: explore@bw.edu
• Web: www.bw.edu/explorations
• Book an appointment: https://tinyurl.com/explorationsadvising

We remain optimistic that Academic Year 2021-22 programs will be possible and applications are currently open. Students are encouraged to review and complete their application requirements and to stay in contact with the Explorations/Study Abroad Center.

If you are interested in applying to study abroad, the list of programs and links to the online application can be found on the study abroad website.

Other International Opportunities

Look for information about I Heart Travel Week, as well as our new Global Classrooms initiative, which will incorporate virtual international experiences and global partnerships into the classroom.

Campus Updates

View the latest information on:

• Plan for a safe and healthy campus
• BW daily health check-in
• Testing, screening and contact tracing
• Sustaining a healthy and safe campus

Remember to check your BW email and revisit this page often for updates.