Coronavirus Information

Current Masking Policy Update - 08/03/22:

Dear Widener community,

The university continues to monitor COVID-19 cases on our campuses, as well as the community level in each county where they are located. Recently, community levels in New Castle County, DE have returned to high.

When community levels are high, the CDC recommends the following safety precautions:

Wear a mask indoors in public
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
Get tested if you have symptoms
People at high risk for severe illness should review the CDC’s suggested prevention behaviors and consider taking additional precautions

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 to consult with your professors. Anyone who prefers to wear a mask is welcome to do so at any time, in any place, without question. Masks remain mandatory inside all university health care clinics, including Student Health Services.

The university will continue monitoring our campus case trends and community transmission rates. If numbers increase, it may require us to return to mandatory masking requirements based on these metrics and CDC guidance. However, currently mask wearing is strongly recommended.

To assist with this monitoring, it is important to report if you have tested positive for COVID-19, or if you believe that you have been in contact with someone who has by contacting Student Health Services at (610) 499-1183 or studenthealth@widener.edu. And, continue to stay at home if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of illness.

Thank you for all you do to keep our campuses healthy.

Ellen DeLuca, CRNP

Director Student Health Services

CDC Covid Data Tracker information for Delaware.

Last Modified: This page was last updated on August 26, 2022 at 1:48 p.m.

Widener University Delaware Law School is continuing to monitor the coronavirus situation. This page offers updates and resources to assist law school students, faculty, and staff. This page will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.

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Widener University COVID-19 Positive Cases by Campus

Positive COVID-19 Cases by Campus

Widener University's General Coronavirus Webpage

The information available in the above reflects weekly and monthly data on the number of individuals who have reported positive test results for COVID-19 within 14 days of being present on one of our campuses. All students and staff must report symptoms and positive test results to Student Health Services at 610-499-1183 or studenthealth@widener.edu.

Vaccine Resources

Looking for a booster?

Visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/ for Delaware specific vaccination clinic information

https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ to find out where you can get a vaccine based on your zip code.

Mitigation Efforts

As the university continues to monitor the pandemic and CDC recommendations, we will report any needed changes to our mitigation efforts. The following is a list of the current mitigation efforts in place on Widener’s campuses.

Masking requirements

Masks will be deemed optional in nearly all locations on all three campuses beginning again on Monday, June 27. Students should be aware that professors 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 to consult with your professors. Anyone who prefers to wear a mask is welcome to do so at any time, in any place, without question. Masks remain mandatory inside all university health care clinics, including Student Health Services.

Visitor requirements

Visitors are welcome on campus and must be hosted by a student, faculty, or staff member. All visitors are required to follow Widener’s masking policy.

Distancing requirements

No distancing requirements are currently in place.

Capacity requirements

No capacity requirements are currently in place.

All students, faculty, and staff must be in compliance with the university’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. More information on the policy is available on our website.

If you still need to upload a completed vaccination record, please visit https://widener.medicatconnect.com/home.aspx and sign in with your Widener credentials. To upload your completed vaccination record, click upload and select the appropriate file. If you encounter difficulty, please email a photo of your vaccine card to studenthealth@widener.edu.

Please remember that everyone should continue to follow good hand hygiene and stay at home if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will classes be held in-person on campus?

Fall Semester classes will be held in-person.

What is the policy on COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters?

All students and employees who don’t have an approved exemption are required to be up to date on their vaccination and booster dose and must have uploaded their updated vaccination card prior to returning to campus to https://widener.medicatconnect.com/home.aspx.

Will there be a remote learning option available for students?

No. As an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school, Delaware Law School must abide by ABA requirements, which generally limit remote learning options. Requests for accommodations associated with in-person learning, as with other accommodations, will be handled by Widener University's Office of Student Accessibility Services in conjunction with the University’s Health Services Office. Students with questions about the process for requesting such an exemption may contact Delaware Law Associate Dean for Student Academic Affairs, Alice Eakin, or the University’s Office of Student Accessibility Services.

Will students be required to receive a COVID-19 Vaccination?

Yes, all faculty, staff and students must adhere to the University Vaccination Policy that requires all to be fully vaccinated.

How will the COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Work?

Beginning August 2, 2021 all students, as well as all full- and part-time faculty and staff coming to campus for any reason, at any time, must be compliant with Widener University’s COVID-19 vaccination policy in order to access Delaware Law facilities or participate in in-person campus activities. Members of the Widener-Delaware Law School community must upload their completed vaccination records to access campus, events, and facilities. Anyone who has not completed this requirement, or has not received an exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine, will not have these privileges.

How do I upload my vaccine record?

Visit https://widener.medicatconnect.com/home.aspx and sign in with your Widener credentials that you created for your myWidener account. Then, click upload and select the appropriate file.

Will the University and Delaware Law School allow exemptions from the vaccine policy?

Exceptions to the vaccination policy will be considered only for documented medical conditions. Questions regarding student medical exemptions can be directed to Student Health Services at (610) 499-1183. Students enrolled at the Delaware campus in fully online degree programs and individuals participating in online-only continuing education programs who will not be on campus in person for any reason will not be required to adhere to the policy, but are still strongly encouraged to become vaccinated.

What happens if I fail to comply with the vaccine policy?

Anyone who fails to comply with the policy will be denied access to our campus for any reason and will be withdrawn from classes.

Will masks and distancing be required on campus?

Masks will be deemed optional in nearly all locations on all three campuses beginning again on Monday, June 27.

Students should be aware that professors 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 to consult with your professors. Anyone who prefers to wear a mask is welcome to do so at any time, in any place, without question. Masks remain mandatory inside all university health care clinics, including Student Health Services.

What should I do if I have Covid symptoms or test positive for Covid?

If you have Covid-related symptoms or test positive for Covid, you should immediately notify Student Health Services on main campus at 610-499-1183. They will provide you with instructions related to testing, quarantining, and when you may return to classes.

Students who are ill with Covid may apply for excused absences for classes missed during their isolation period. Please see the Excused Absence Policy for Fall 2022 (pdf) and contact Associate Dean Eakin at aeeakin@widener.edu if you have any additional questions or concerns.

What if I have additional questions?

For a more complete list of University requirements, policies, updates and frequently asked questions please visit the University’s Coronavirus web page at widener.edu/coronavirus. Additional questions may also be sent to covid@widener.edu.

Additional Resource Links

Widener University Coronavirus Information Page

Delaware Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus Information

Change Log:

08/26/22 at 1:47 p.m. Updated FAQ question about what a student should do in the event of COVID illness
08/10/22 at 11:41 a.m. Updated FAQs to reflect the most current policies
08/10/22 at 11:35 a.m. Removed outdated information regarding Spring 2022 semester
08/03/22 at 3:53 p.m. Added updated information regarding masking
06/29/22 at 11:55 a.m. Updated information regarding the current masking policy
05/25/22 at 4:05 p.m. Updated information regarding indoor masking policy
05/20/22 at 11:03 a.m. Added Dean's Announcement regarding masking for Commencement Ceremony on 05/20/22.
03/30/22 at 12:04 p.m. Updated information about masking on campus.
01/21/22 at 3:12 p.m. Added link to attendance policy and excused absence pdf under the F.A.Q. question regarding what to do if you catch COVID.
01/21/22 at 12:46 p.m. Added additional details to Spring 2022 in-person reopening announcement.
01/20/22 at 5:10 p.m. Added confirmation that in-person classes will resume on Monday, January 24th and edited F.A.Q. answer on in-person classes to reflect that announcement.
01/11/22 at 9:10 a.m. Added Vaccine Resources section with links
01/07/22 at 11:05 a.m. Changed F.A.Q. answer on in-person classes to reflect that classes will be held remotely through January 23rd, 2022.
01/07/22 at 11:05 a.m. Removed Dean's Message Regarding Fall 2021 Opening
12/31/21 at 3:59 p.m. Added question about COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to frequently asked questions.
12/31/21 at 3:50 p.m Added Dean's Announcement regarding Spring 2022 Opening
11/03/21 at 3:30 p.m. Removed wording specific to Fall 2021 to reflect that COVID-19 policies, procedures, and requirements will continue until further notice.
09/10/21 at 2:59 p.m. Changed wording of question related to Covid testing/symptoms
09/10/21 at 10:59 a.m. Added question to FAQ about reporting positive COVID test
08/18/21 at 2:03 p.m. Added section about mitigation efforts
08/02/21 at 1:55 p.m. Updated FAQ question on masking requirements
06/08/21 at 9:38 a.m. Extensive updates to Fall 2021 FAQ section
06/07/21 at 1:57 p.m. Removed old information
06/07/21 at 11:26 a.m. Updated version of President Wollman's vaccination requirement letter
06/04/21 at 12:15 p.m. Added President Wollman's announcement about vaccination requirement to FAQs
05/04/21 at 10:58 a.m. Additions and Adjustments to Fall 2021 Frequently Asked Questions
04/23/21 at 2:36 p.m. Added Fall 2021 Frequently Asked Questions
04/23/21 at 1:01 p.m. Reformatted page
04/23/21 at 12:42 p.m. Removed old information and restructured page
02/26/21 at 4:42 p.m. Added announcement regarding May 2021 Commencement Ceremony
02/26/21 at 1:20 p.m. Added Dean's announcement regarding Fall 2021 reopening plans
10/23/20 at 12:52 p.m. Added Dean's announcement regarding Spring 2021 reopening plans
08/17/20 at 6:05 p.m. Added link to Widener University's Positive COVID-19 cases by campus
07/28/20 at 1:51 p.m. Added Dean's Letter to Students - Revised Plan on Opening for the Fall 2020 Semester
06/22/20 at 9:45 a.m. Added Dean's Fall 2020 Announcement and Guidance
05/29/20 at 3:30 p.m. Added information about CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
05/12/20 at 4:58 p.m. Added section about Coronavirus Pandemic Student Service and Practicum Course Program.
04/06/20 at 5:17 p.m. Added Information about commencement and Dean's Message regarding commencement.
03/23/20 at 10:10 a.m. Added information about the mail room closure under Law School and University Operations.
03/23/20 at 10:08 a.m. Updated information about Governor Carney's decision to close non-essential businesses under Housing and Campus Life.
03/20/20 at 3:08 p.m. Added additional information and links for library services under Law School and University Operations.
03/20/20 at 12:29 p.m. Added notification regarding complete closure of Pennsylvania campuses to non-life-sustaining personnel under Law School and University Operations.
03/19/20 at 10:48 a.m. Added section about the updated Spring 2020 Grading Policy.
03/17/20 at 2:02 p.m. Added information about TAP program under Academics.
03/17/20 at 12:55 p.m. Added clarification about TAP program to the FAQ question about ITAP.
03/17/20 at 12:38 p.m. Made adjustments to faculty and staff procedures under Law School and University Operations.
03/16/20 at 12:50 p.m. Added additional ITS information about remote access under Law School and University Operations.
03/13/20 at 4:05 p.m. Added Spring 2020 Phone Directory as well as Admissions Office info to Law School and University Operations.
03/13/20 at 2:33 p.m. Added information about ITAP cancellation
03/13/20 at 2:12 p.m. Added additional information for faculty and staff under Law School and University Operations.
03/13/20 at 2:08 p.m. Added page navigation.
03/13/20 at 10:46 a.m. Updated with counseling information.
03/13/20 at 9:30 a.m. Updated with message from Dean Smolla to students

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