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Questions?
Contact the BW COVID-19 Response Team at the 24/7 helpline at (440) 826-7787 or send an email to bwbesafe@bw.edu.
Updated April 29, 2022. Information accurate for spring 2022 semester.
BW Mask Requirement Change
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released revised mask protocols on Friday, February 25, making masks optional in areas with low or medium levels of COVID-19. This indicator, combined with the consistently low case count on the BW campus, allows us to be among many institutions and government entities that implemented the following change to COVID-19 protocols:
Effective Saturday, March 5, BW moved to mask optional. Masks are no longer required in public or indoor spaces like classrooms, common areas or at BW events. While masks are no longer required indoors, all community members are welcome to continue wearing a mask.
The CDC does recommend that individuals with an increased risk of severe COVID-19, such as immunocompromised people, should talk to their healthcare provider about not wearing masks in public places. Vaccinations and boosters are recommended for everyone. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test or who have been exposed to COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Since the start of last semester, BW adjusted COVID-19 protocols to respond to the omicron variant. After an anticipated spike in cases early in this semester, student and employee cases have dropped significantly and have remained at a low level.
Please be aware that mask requirements and other COVID-19 protocols may continue for certain activities as mandated by partner or external governing bodies (i.e., service, alternative break trips, study abroad travel, athletics, etc.). Members of the BW community are required to follow and respect the guidelines of our partners and host locations.
Conservatory students in specific programs may be required to wear masks during instruction and performance environments. BW athletes continue to follow NCAA protocols as outlined by their coaches and teams. Masks are required when entering the BW Health Center, the BW Speech Clinic and medical athletic training facilities.
Thank you to all members of the BW community for your efforts this semester and the BW Health Advisory Committee, which continues to work tirelessly to safeguard our campus. We will continue to emphasize numerous campus health measures and community protocols that, taken together, create a safer environment for our community.
- COVID-19 vaccination rate on campus is high. More than 75% of BW students and employees are vaccinated.
- COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are available for free at BW Health Services. Contact the BW Health Center at (440) 826-2178 to make an appointment.
- COVID-19 home self-tests are available at the BW Health Center, Strosacker Welcome Desk and the Rec Center Welcome Desk.
- KN95 masks are available at the BW Health Center, Strosacker Welcome Desk and the Rec Center Welcome Desk.
- COVID-19 Support Services, including quarantine and isolation protocols, remain in place to mitigate community spread and support student needs.
The COVID-19 Health Advisory Committee continues to monitor CDC health guidelines and the prevalence of COVID-19 cases on our campus.
Covid-19 Dashboard
BW's total campus population is 4,298 (898 full and part-time faculty and staff, 3,400 full, part-time and evening undergraduate and graduate students).
Cases in Isolation
Students, faculty and staff who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for five (5) days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours) may follow isolation with 5 days of strict wearing of a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. BW is asking residential students who can return home for the isolation period to do so. Students who are unable to isolate at home will be provided isolation accommodations. Individuals in isolation will complete a health review on the fifth day which may include COVID-19 test.
Individuals in Quarantine
Quarantine protocol is required when contact tracing efforts indicate an unvaccinated individual has been in known close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. Quarantining persons are asked to monitor their symptoms regularly and complete COVID-19 tests periodically. Total Positive Active Cases does not include students in quarantine; once individuals are confirmed positive, they are in isolation instead of quarantine.
Additional COVID-19 Preparedness Information
Baldwin Wallace continues to be informed by the latest science, public health guidance and knowledge from our campus community. BW offers a college experience designed to keep everyone as safe as possible and ensure that students have access to a quality education that will help move them toward the achievement of their professional and personal goals.
Spring Classes
Most classes are taught in person, while some courses are offered fully online. All classes previously specified as partially remote will now be fully in person. All fully remote classes will remain fully remote.
Classrooms will continue to be cleaned regularly, and high-contact surfaces will be sanitized frequently. Additionally, enhanced air filtration and air-quality monitoring systems have been installed in learning and performance spaces across campus.
Health protocols
- If at any point during the semester you feel ill, do not attend class. Please pick up a free COVID-19 test at the BW Health Center and report the results to BW.
- Physical distancing on campus is not currently required.
- Athletes will be subject to additional health protocols as outlined by the NCAA and OAC.
- Students participating in off-campus clinicals, off-campus experiential education, service trips or competitions will be required to follow the host site's health protocols.
Additions or changes to protocols will be announced by university administration as needed.
Get Vaccinated
Remember, the best way to have the ultimate BW experience is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We strongly recommend all members of our university community get vaccinated and receive their booster shots. The COVID-19 vaccine is the single most effective way to protect our community as we return to full in-person experiences.
All university students, faculty and staff are eligible to receive a vaccine at the BW Health Center or at retailers within walking distance from campus. Call the BW Health Center at (440) 826-2178 to schedule a vaccination appointment. See additional information on vaccines. Remember, you are not fully vaccinated until two weeks after your final dose of the vaccine.
Booster vaccinations for COVID-19 are also available at the Health Center for eligible BW students, faculty and staff. See details.
Share Your Vaccination Record
In accordance with community health standards, we have opened a portal that allows you to register the status of your various vaccinations, including COVID-19. We strongly encourage you to register your vaccination status.
