For the 35 students approved to live on campus for the remainder of the spring semester, adjusting to life during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been less stressful through the help of Westfield State staff in Residential Engagement, Dining Services, Health Services, and Facilities.
“While students have been consolidated into Davis Hall, they are free to move about campus and the greater community,” said Christina Willenbrock, director of residential engagement.
She stressed, however: “We emphasize the importance of making safe, healthy choices, to practice social distancing, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and wear a cloth face-covering whenever they are outside their room. These are important actions we all need to take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
The students approved to remain on campus have each agreed to the policies and guidelines for living on campus during the pandemic. While the University typically has a guest policy in place, Residential Engagement had to enact a more stringent policy to ensure the health and safety of the residents on and around campus, and also that of the University’s employees.
Residential Engagement has partnered with Common Goods, FACES, Institutional Advancement, and TRIO to provide a range of essential items for students, including towels and linens, laundry detergent, and feminine hygiene products.
Dining Services continues to serve students hot lunch and dinner through T.J. Bistro. Students living on campus during this unprecedented time can also pick up a bagged breakfast for the following day. For students who feel ill, Dining Services will also deliver meals to their room.
The students approved to remain on campus have each agreed to the policies and guidelines for living on campus during the pandemic. While the University typically has a guest policy in place, Residential Engagement had to enact a more stringent policy to ensure the health and safety of the residents on and around campus, and also that of the University’s employees.
Residential Engagement has partnered with Common Goods, FACES (Fostering A Community of Empowerment and Success), Institutional Advancement, and TRIO Student Support Services to provide a range of essential items for students, including towels and linens, laundry detergent, and feminine hygiene products.
Dining Services continues to serve students hot lunch and dinner through T.J. Bistro. Students living on campus during this unprecedented time can also pick up a bagged breakfast for the following day. For students who feel ill, Dining Services will also deliver meals to their room.
“Westfield Dining is committed to being a beacon that provides residential students with an opportunity to thrive in a new digital campus environment,” said Bill Connor, director of Dining. “We are offering meals that provide comfort and reduce stress with some surprises and tasty treats along the way. Our goal is to support students, now from a distance, through great food and personal interactions that shows Dining cares about them and their success.”
The University’s Facilities & Operations staff has worked tirelessly to clean, maintain, and disinfect campus buildings and residence halls, despite a rotating staff.
The Health Services department continues to support students, faculty, and staff with resources and consultations as Westfield State continues to follow Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s “stay-at-home” order and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.