August 15, 2022
Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,
I want to begin with a correction to my August 1st communication regarding Skyline Hall. In it, I misattributed to the AFT recent criticism of the decision to build the residence hall. I should have attributed it to some anonymous critics on campus, not to the union. I apologize for the error.
As we move into the new academic year, William Paterson University continues to prioritize the health and safety of our community. Over the past 2½ years, we have implemented policies and procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic based on the guidance of federal, state, and local health officials and our own on-campus expertise. We are so grateful for advancements in science, especially in regards to vaccines and treatments for this illness.
As the country and our state, move from a pandemic to an endemic response, WP will also transition to a mask-friendly campus for Fall 2022. Masks are no longer required indoors, with the exception of the Counseling, Health and Wellness Center. However, if you are exposed to COVID-19, you will still be required to wear a mask for 10 days. We encourage individuals to wear a mask, especially if you or your family members are at risk for complications of COVID-19. As with all policies, the masking policy is subject to change depending on conditions in the community.
We will continue the policies under which students, faculty, and staff are required to be vaccinated (boosters are recommended though not required) or to have an approved exemption. Students who are not vaccinated or exempt will participate in their classes online. More information can be found on the COVID-19 Health and Safety page and it will be provided to students during the beginning of the semester.
Move-in for residential students begins this Sunday, August 21st and will continue on Monday and Tuesday, August 22nd and 23rd. I will be on hand Sunday to greet students and families, which is always an exciting occasion for all involved. I want to thank Vice President Miki Cammarata and everyone in Student Development, especially Director of Residence Life Becky Baird and her team, for all the good work they are doing to orchestrate the busy and complex operation that is student move-in.
This week’s WP: We are Proud – Congratulations to Associate Vice President for Administration Kevin Garvey and Director Jim Shelley and his Physical Plant Operations team for making WP the only university to win an award in the recent round of N.J. Board of Public Utilities Clean Fleet grants. The $24,000 grant will support the installation of four additional Electric Vehicle charging stations on campus – two each at College Hall and the Parking Garage. As use of EVs grows, we are growing our charging capacity, which will now number 15 chargers located across campus.
Thank you all for your continued good work, and have a great week.
