To maintain the health and safety of the Widener Pride, the university continually monitors and assesses a variety of viruses and other illnesses that impact everyone on our campuses. After carefully reviewing our community health data, the university has implemented the following policies and recommendations regarding COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination requirement
Widener University requires all faculty, staff, and students who will be on our campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with one or two doses, depending on the vaccine selected, of any World Health Organization approved vaccine. For vaccine availability in your area please visit https://www.vaccines.gov.
Students who fail to submit an exemption/accommodation request(s) and/or who are not eligible for an exemption/accommodation and who do not plan to become fully vaccinated will not be permitted on campus. If you do not comply with Widener’s immunization requirements, a registration hold will be applied to your account, restricting you from all future enrollment activities.
Exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccination policy
Exemptions and/or accommodations from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement will be considered for medical, philosophical, or sincerely-held religious beliefs reasons. Students may request immunization exemption forms by contacting Student Health Services at (610) 499-1183 or studenthealth@widener.edu. Employees may contact Human Resources for exemption information and forms. Please note that students, especially in nursing and the health sciences, must comply with the clinical requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and exemptions for any site they attend.
Students participating in online-only academic programs that do not come to campus for any reason may email covid@widener.edu for an academic exemption.
For more details about Widener's student immunization policies, please visit the Student Health Services immunization page.
Submitting vaccination records
To upload your completed vaccination records, please visit the University's Health Services Portal and sign in with your Widener credentials. To upload your record, click upload and select the appropriate file.
Upload Vaccination Record
Masking Guidelines
Currently, masks are optional on all three campuses. If you are visiting any university healthcare clinic, including Student Health Services, and you are ill or have symptoms such as fever or cough, please consider wearing a mask.
Students should be aware that faculty may choose to ask them to wear a mask during their classes. Because of this, we advise everyone to continue carrying a mask with them at all times and consult with your professor. Anyone who wishes to continue wearing a mask for any reason is encouraged to do so.
Visitor Guidelines
Visitors are welcome on campus and must be hosted by a student, faculty or staff member.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
Students who test positive should contact Student Health Services at (610) 499-1183 or studenthealth@widener.edu for appropriate isolation instructions. Seek care if needed and continue to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others. Staff and faculty are not required to report an illness, but should also take precautions to keep themselves and others healthy.
Guidelines for COVID-19 isolation
As recommended by the CDC, you must isolate for at least five full days from the start of any symptoms or a positive test result without symptoms. Students are encouraged to isolate at home. If travel is not possible, students may isolate in their residence hall by masking at all times except while sleeping.
While isolating, don't attend class, work, or gatherings in person. Contact your professors and let them know that you cannot attend class. Student Health Services can provide a set of isolation instructions that you may share with your faculty. If you live on campus, you can grab to-go meals from any of the campus dining options while wearing a mask. Always mask up and practice social distancing in shared spaces, avoiding close contact and item sharing.
If you are feeling better, you may stop isolation on day 6, while continuing to wear a mask around others for an additional five days.
For more detailed information, visit the Student Health Services website.
Practice good health hygiene
We encourage everyone in the Widener community to take precautions to keep themselves healthy and safe. It is essential to wash your hands regularly and stay home if you’re sick and experiencing any typical symptoms of colds or viruses.
