COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols No Longer in Effect
Updated: January 12, 2023, 1:50 p.m.
As of October 2022, Central Washington University does not have any special health and safety protocols in place related to COVID-19. Following the governor’s directive last fall, our shared governance groups across campus agreed to forego any pandemic-related policies—including our vaccination requirement for students and employees—for the foreseeable future.
Although the COVID-19 vaccination requirement is no longer in effect, we remain a highly vaccinated institution and continue to strongly recommend the following actions:
- If you did not get the original vaccination, get the most up-to-date vaccination.
- Get your booster shot. Boosters are strongly recommended by both the CDC and the American College Health Association.
- Get a flu shot in the fall and winter; influenza kills between 12,000 and 52,000 people in the U.S. every year.
- Employees who do not feel well should inform their supervisor and stay home. As much as possible, supervisors should accommodate those who have tested positive for COVID-19.
- Wear a mask for extra protection if you feel unsafe. Even if you do not wish to wear a mask, please support everyone’s decisions about mask wearing.
With the help of the Kittitas County Public Health Department, CWU will continue to monitor COVID-19 case trends in our area. While the threat has subsided significantly since its peak, we continue to work closely with state and local health officials to ensure we are maintaining the safest environment possible for students and employees.
Please note that if the situation changes, we may implement new safety measures, such as:
- Reinstituting a mask mandate for a period of time.
- Reinstituting a vaccine mandate with boosters.
- Moving our teaching and work to virtual formats.
Employees who are immunocompromised or need additional support may contact Human Resources at 509-963-1202 or by email. Students who have additional concerns may contact the Office of the Dean of Student Success at 509-963-1515 or by email.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
CARES/CRRSAA/ARP HEERF I/II/III
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSAA) Act and the American Recovery Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funds the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants at Central Washington University.
CWU's CARES/CRRSAA/ARP HEERF Institutional Agreement and Assurance states that it will use $3,847,692 in CARES, $3,847,692 in CRRSSA and TBD in ARP funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.
Emergency Student Award
The CARES, CRRSAA and ARP HEERF I/II/III grant provides emergency financial assistance to eligible students who are experiencing hardship that could adversely affect their educational success at Central Washington University. Student information can be found at CWU's Business and Financial Affairs and Student Success websites.
Institutional Award
The CARES, CRRSAA and ARP HEERF I/II/III grant provides support to Central Washington University operational activities that were affected by the coronavirus beginning March 27, 2020. CWU has utilized its institutional award to support student room and board refunds and lost revenue associated with student services (room and board, dining, parking and bookstore). Institutional information can be found at CWU's Business and Financial Affairs website.