Willamette University will once again resume in-person education this fall and anticipates a full range of on-campus activity.
For the past year, students, faculty members and staff committed to a comprehensive plan that allowed classes to safely continue, and it is only because of their dedication that Willamette reported a small number of COVID-19 cases. Although we expect state and federal health guidelines to change throughout the year, the pace and increased distribution of vaccinations is encouraging. And in support of our continued commitment to protecting our community, we have developed a vaccine policy which requires, with limited exceptions, that all students, faculty and staff planning to work or attend Willamette in the fall 2021 semester must be vaccinated by the date they return to campus. We expect to see a more normal year this fall and we can’t wait to join the whole community in celebration.
Nothing replicates that feeling of sitting around a seminar table with your peers and engaging in a good debate, conducting research with faculty members in a lab or studying with your friends at a coffee shop. The quality of the experience is the result of being in a community, both in and out of the classroom. It’s such an important part of the college experience that we’ve written it into our mission.
Building an academic community that learns from and challenges itself is essential to a higher education. Living on a residential campus helps you go beyond the curriculum and develop leadership skills — on the field, working at The Bistro, managing a student organization — that will serve you later.
If students or families have questions about accommodations as we return to campus, dedicated staff in Accessible Education Services are open to ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
We are excited to welcome new and returning students to our vibrant and flourishing campus this fall.
