Due to the expected winter storm, the University will close campus beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. The campus will remain closed through Monday, and we expect to resume normal operations on Tuesday morning. If conditions change, we will share updates promptly.
Campus Services During the Closure
While most in-person activities will pause, essential services will remain available. Public Safety and Facilities will be on campus throughout the storm, and the following services are expected to remain open or staffed:
Students living on campus should expect regular support from Residence Life and Public Safety.
Classes and Work During the Closure
Students
Scheduled face-to-face classes will not take place on campus. At the discretion of faculty, some in-person classes may be held remotely. Faculty will communicate directly, so please check your email and course site for updates.
Classes that are already scheduled to be fully remote will continue as usual unless otherwise communicated by your instructor.
Staff
Staff who are able to work remotely should coordinate with their supervisors as appropriate.
Staying Informed
The University’s Inclement Weather Policy is available on the WNE website via the homepage banner. We will communicate any changes or reopening details through WNE Alert, email, and the University website.
Western New England University is an active learning environment that offers numerous ways to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle. From a wide variety of food choices at our University Commons to outstanding athletic and fitness facilities, we give our students (as well as our alumni and employees) many paths to a healthy lifestyle.
The Center for Health and Well-Being is a medical and counseling center offering services to the Western New England University community. Our medical services are structured much like an urgent care center. We are staffed by board-certified nurse practitioners. Our counselors are licensed professionals who provide confidential help to students with personal, social, and educational concerns that may include adjustment to college, anxiety, depression, relationships, issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual/physical abuse, and test anxiety.
Consistent with the University's commitment to wellness and caring, Alcohol and Drug Education Services promotes responsible decision-making regarding alcohol and other drug use, on campus and in the community.
The COVID-19 National Public Health Emergency will end on May 11, 2023. In response, Western New England University has changed its COVID-19 guidelines effective Monday, May 15, 2023.
Western New England University will continue to closely monitor and comply with all CDC, state, and local guidelines regarding COVID-19 and all infectious/communicable diseases.
We will remain prepared to pivot if the need arises to ensure the health and safety of our community.
Updated May 1, 2023
Vaccinations
WNE will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination. In accordance with CDC guidelines, WNE strongly recommends that all faculty, staff, and students remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccines in consultation with their primary care provider.
Western New England University will continue to follow all state and regulatory vaccination requirements and infectious disease guidelines.
Please Note: Faculty, staff, and students participating in off-campus clinical education rotations may need to be vaccinated per the rules of that institution.
Masks
WNE will be a mask-friendly campus and recommends that all faculty, staff, and students use a mask any time they are ill to decrease the spread of illness to others or for their own personal protection. Per state public health guidelines, the Center for Health and Well-Being—Health Services will continue to require a mask for those coming in for a visit and will have masks available if needed.
If you are feeling sick, we continue to recommend wearing a mask, contacting a healthcare provider for evaluation, and not attending class or socializing with others.
Testing
If you are having symptoms of illness, the Center for Health and Well-Being—Health Services remains available for infectious disease testing, including COVID-19, as warranted based upon clinical presentation.
Isolation
WNE will continue to follow CDC guidelines for infectious disease isolation requirements for any communicable illness, and on-campus housing will be available as needed.
Our Recreation staff coordinates seasonal intramural competitions and organizes a variety of recreational opportunities. Intramural sports are available for all WNE students, staff, and faculty; the sports are included in the university fee structure and can be played without additional cost. Games will be played on campus in our recreational areas.
A fierce competitor, Western New England University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III. The University fields 23 NCAA-sponsored varsity sports for men and women and is a member of the Commonwealth Coast Conference.
From its 2,000-seat field house to the indoor track, the Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center offers world-class facilities for fitness, fun, and serious training. The Golden Bear Stadium anchors the University's premier outdoor athletics complex.
