Students Staying on Campus Over Winter Break
Welcome to Winter Break 2020-2021! For those who will be staying on campus during the break, please scroll down for important information about your Winter Break Coordinators and Wesleyan’s campus over the break.
OISA Winter Break Coordinators
Winter break coordinators will be sending out emails for community building events throughout the break. Check the OISA Facebook page frequently as the events will be posted there as well. You can also contact them if you have any questions or concerns during the break. Read more about them below, in their own words.
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Naraa Altai
Class of 2022 - Computer Science; Data Analysis and IDEAS minors
Read MoreHello! My name is Naraa Altai and I am an international student from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I am a current junior majoring in Computer Science and double minoring in Data Analysis and IDEAS. Outside of academics, I work as a Course Assistant for the Math and Computer Science Department, and as an intern for the Purchasing in the Finance Office.
I will be working as one of three coordinators for international students during this upcoming winter break. As someone who often stays on campus during breaks, I know how quiet and slow things get during breaks. Also, I understand that this winter break, especially, might bring more challenges for all of us, but I am hopeful that we can support each other and use this time to strengthen our international community. -
Abrar Habib
Class of 2021 - Chemistry, Physics, and College of Integrative Sciences - Chemical Physics concentration
Read MoreMy name is Abrar Habib, a senior at Wesleyan University. I am originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, but I moved to Reno, Nevada, in 2012. I am majoring in Chemistry, Physics, and the College of Integrative Sciences with a Chemical Physics concentration. Outside of academics, I am also a Resident Advisor (RA) and a student receptionist at the Office of Residential Life. As a residential life staff member, I had the opportunity to connect with students on campus that turned into long-lasting friendships. My campus life also involves spending a lot of time working in the Personick Research Group. After graduating from Wesleyan, I plan to attend graduate school in materials science and engineering. Some of my interests include playing soccer, volleyball, ping pong, and hiking.
I have spent the past two winters on campus. The campus environment is very different than the regular academic year. With fewer people on campus, it can be easy to feel isolated; however, it also presents the opportunity to form deeper connections and build friendships with students staying over the break. Spending the past winter breaks on campus allowed me to learn about different cultures by cooking various dishes. I have also invested a lot of time over the winter to work out in my room and go sledding on Foss Hill. I am excited to spend this winter with all of you and build a community despite the challenging circumstances.
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Fitzroy 'Pablo' Wickham
Class of 2021 - Neuroscience and Theatre; Chemistry minor
Read MoreHi International Cardinals! My name is Fitzroy ‘Pablo’ Wickham and I am from the beautiful island of Jamaican. I am currently a senior Neuroscience and Theatre double major with a minor in Chemistry. I am a research assistant in the Naegele Lab on campus, where I conduct stem cell research to treat temporal lobe epilepsy in mice. I also serve as a Head Resident for Residential Life, Senior Class President, Honor Board/Community Standards Board member and am also involved in the Basal Gang, Wesleyan Minority Association of Premedical Students (WesMAPS), student theatre and the Jamaican Heritage Club, YAADI.
I absolutely love programming and I promise that as your International Winter Coordinators we have some EXCITING events in store for you all that will make this cold winter pass by quickly. I can’t wait to meet everyone and get to know you better!
COVID-19 Protocols and Safety
COVID-19 continues to impact almost every aspect of life on the Wesleyan campus, as well as the rest of our world. Although most of us are weary of the ways that we have had to modify our lives and interactions with others, it is vital to remain vigilant with the safety measures that we are taking.
For important updates, make sure to carefully read all emails from Dean Culliton. He will keep you updated on topics including campus alert levels, testing information, closures and reopenings, and COVID-19 safety protocols.
In order to continue to protect yourself and others, you are expected to follow all COVID safety guidelines and measures. This includes mask wearing, physical distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and regular handwashing.
Keep Wes Safe
Wesleyan’s official website for COVID-19 information and updates is your go-to resource for the latest information about the pandemic and how it affects your life on campus. Understand campus safety guidelines, know the details of the Code of Conduct, review the comprehensive collection of resources, and know the latest updates as they are posted.
COVID-19 Testing
During the winter break, COVID-19 testing will take place once a week on Wednesdays. Students are required to be tested weekly at Beckham Hall between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Scheduling your tests is highly recommended and can be done through your WesPortal.
Travel Restrictions
Due to the current rise in COVID-19 cases in Connecticut, Wesleyan is advising against all unnecessary travel from campus. Exceptions will be made for essential travel such as to medical appointments or the pharmacy.
In general, students staying on campus over winter break may not travel outside of the Middletown area (beyond a 25-mile radius from campus). Once a student leaves this 25-mile radius, they may not return to Wesleyan until the spring semester. February 5, 2020 is the earliest date that students may return after leaving. At that time, all returning students will take part in a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Students who will not be staying on campus for the entire break, especially those traveling internationally, should refer to the Students Leaving Campus for Winter Break page for important information about COVID-19 testing and maintaining status while traveling.
Winter Break Resource Guide
Your Winter Break Coordinators have put together the Winter Break Resource Guide 2020-2021 to help you become familiar with the resources and services available to you during the break. Download a copy and keep it handy to find out operating hours of important services and offices, tasty food suggestions, and important information for keeping your body and mind healthy throughout the winter.
Some highlights from the guide:
Usdan Center Hours / Dining at WesleyanMarketplace
November 30 to December 13: Fall meal plan in use
Monday to Friday: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
After December 13: Students will have the option to purchase a meal plan that will run from December 14 to February 5. Dining will be closed from December 24 to 25 and December 31 to January 1.
Wes Station: Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Ride: 860-685-3788
The Transportation Department offers a free local grocery shuttle service every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Non-emergency: (860) 685-2345
Emergency: (860) 685-3333
The blue light system is available all over campus in situations where you might feel unsafe. You can always call Public Safety for rides.
Residential LifeResLife has provided information about the condensation of student housing to the Butterfields during winter break.
Health and Wellness Resources
Davison Health CenterLimited hours available December 14 and 17. Call for an appointment: 860-685-2470
Winter Break Information
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
On-Call: 860-685-2910
Available between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Wellness Ideas for International Students by Angie Makomenaw
WesWell - Office of Health Education
Seirra Fowler, Director: sfowler01@wesleyan.edu
SHAPE - Office of Support, Healing, Activism, and Prevention Education
Johanna DeBari, Director: jdebari@wesleyan.edu
OISA Winter Office Closure
OISA will be closed from Thursday, December 24 until Monday, January 11. Those with questions or concerns during the break should email oisa@wesleyan.edu and an OISA team member will respond to you as soon as possible.
Important Phone Numbers
- Public Safety: 860-685-3333 (emergencies), 860-685-2345 (non-emergencies); major Emergencies: 911
- Counseling and Psychological Services: 860-685-3134 (during business hours), 860-685-2910 (after business hours)
- Davison Health Center: 860-685-2470
- Office of International Student Affairs: 860-685-1096