Frequently Asked Questions

There will be no in-person gatherings exceeding 10 people on or off campus this semester. This will be strictly enforced with consequences that may include suspension and expulsion. In-person events hosted by an organization, team, and/or individual – whether planned or spontaneous, whether inside or outside – cannot exceed 10 people, and all attendees must follow MMDC guidelines including wearing masks and being physically distanced at least six feet from one another. Social gatherings and parties create significant risk, accelerating the spread of COVID-19 and threaten the health and safety of our entire community. This policy does not apply to classes, which have room capacities designed to support social distancing and shall not exceed 30 people. 

Training, education and signage will promote personal hygiene through an ongoing campaign around hand washing and sanitizing. Hygiene practices will be supported by readily available soap, wipes, spray, and hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol). Members of the UMW community will be provided with self-carry bottles of hand sanitizer which will be refillable at various locations on campus. In addition, more than 1,000 no-touch hand sanitizing stations are being strategically placed across UMW properties.

An enhanced cleaning schedule will be in place to support daily and “between use” cleaning and disinfecting of facilities as much as possible. UMW facilities staff members have reviewed CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfecting and aligned their schedules and practices accordingly. Disinfecting products have been vetted for EPA-approval for COVID-19. Cleaning supplies will also be available in classrooms and labs for cleaning and disinfecting. The time between classes has been increased to 20 minutes to permit self-cleaning of learning spaces.

Classrooms are being reconfigured to allow 64 square feet of separation between desks. Common areas are being reimagined. This includes installing protective barriers, marking seats, taping floors, and removing furniture. And signs to promote good hygiene, social distancing, and cleaning protocols are being posted. Water fountains will be used for bottle refill ONLY, and elevators will allow only one person at a time.

Policies are in place to support UMW’s expectation that faculty, staff and students stay home or self-isolate when they are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. For employees, flexible sick leave policies are in place including regular leave (sick leave and annual leave) and state and federal leave options for different COVID-19 scenarios.

Similarly, UMW’s policies on Attendance and Class Absences offer guidance and provide for support to students who miss class for COVID-19 related reasons and will ultimately return to class after COVID-19 illness. This includes disability-related absences for those who have a documented disability that makes them vulnerable to COVID-19 and procedures for unscheduled absences which would include COVID-19 related reasons. Students with unscheduled absences are directed to contact the Office of Academic Services to report the absence and request assistance in working with faculty. In addition, UMW policies on grading include options for an incomplete grade when a student cannot complete the assigned work for reasons including those related to COVID-19 illness or self-isolation.

The Governor has indicated that employees who are able to complete their work remotely should continue doing so for the immediate future. Employees who are required to be physically present to complete their work will be on campus.

Special COVID-19 training and education will be required of every student, faculty and staff. This training covers key information about COVID-19 and public health as well as UMW policies and procedures in response to the pandemic. This includes: (1) face coverings, (2) social distancing, (3) cleaning and disinfecting, (4) monitoring and attestation, (5) anti-stigma, (6) vulnerable populations, (7) reporting, and (8) enforcement.

At the conclusion of the training, all members of the UMW community will take the “Mary Washington Pledge” agreeing to several things including: (1) regular self-monitoring and attestation of symptoms, (2) not coming to campus if sick, (c) wearing face coverings, as well as observing good hygiene practices and social distancing expectations.

UMW will follow CDC and VDH guidance on using face coverings to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread. Face coverings will be required by students, faculty, staff and visitors when in the company of others (e.g. in classes, public events, offices, hallways, stairwells, Campus Walk, common spaces, etc.).

In support of this requirement, UMW has procured enough washable three-ply cloth masks for all students (including student workers), faculty, and staff who need them. In addition, the University has purchased an appropriate number of “clear masks” and face shields. The Emergency Management Team will continue to monitor and plan for additional needs including assessing options for alternatives for those unable to wear masks. Additional masks will be provided to employees as needed and supplies allow and additional branded masks will be available for purchase in the UMW bookstore.

UMW’s policy options to mitigate risk for vulnerable individuals (those 65 years or older and those with underlying health conditions) include, where possible, telework, and virtual learning. Students needing accommodations should work with the Office of Disability Resources, and faculty and staff should contact their supervisor and the Office of Human Resources for additional support.

Students planning to live on-campus are encouraged to discuss their particular risk factors with their family and personal care physicians. UMW has developed a process to permit students to petition for release from their housing contract due to COVID-19 related concerns.