Coronavirus Information and Updates for the Widener Law Commonwealth Community

Widener University and Widener Law Commonwealth are actively monitoring the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Law school information and updates about developments with the illness, Widener Law Commonwealth’s response to it, or any impact on law school classes or operations will be available here. Additionally, links will be provided to Widener University's coronavirus webpage and communications.

Important Information for Widener Law Commonwealth

May 2022
The information on this page is current as of the time of its posting. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of issues and guidance surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the information provided below is subject to change and this page will continue to be updated. Please check back regularly. 

As of Monday, May 16, masks will be optional on the Widener Law Commonwealth campus. Students participating in learning experiences off campus should follow the masking policies of the respective organization.

Anyone who wishes to continue to wear a mask for any reason is encouraged to do so, and we will respect individuals’ decisions and treat them with sensitivity. With this in mind, WLC students should be aware that professors may choose to ask them to wear a mask during their classes. Because of this, we recommend everyone continue carrying a mask with them at all times and to consult with their professors. 

Throughout the summer, Widener University officials will continue to monitor our campus case trends and community transmission rates. If numbers increase, it may require us to return to broader masking requirements, based on these metrics and CDC guidance.

N95, KN95 and KF94 masks are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who want them at our Campus Safety Desk in the law library building.

WILL I BE REQUIRED TO GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE?

All students and campus employees within the Widener University system, including Widener Law Commonwealth, are required to be vaccinated and receive a booster dose of the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine and upload their vaccination cards to https://widener.medicatconnect.com/home.aspx. Sign in using your Widener credentials and upload a photo of your vaccine card, including your booster information.   

WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT IMPACTS MY ABILITY TO GET THE VACCINE?

Widener will recognize documented medical exemptions. Please contact Student Health Services at (610) 499-1183 as soon as possible so they can evaluate your unique situation. Medical exemptions can only be granted through Student Health Services. 

WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE AN UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITION BUT JUST DO NOT WANT TO GET THE VACCINE?

The university has determined personal, philosophical, and religious objections to the COVID-19 vaccine requirements will not be recognized.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WIDENER UNIVERSITY’S COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY?

A list of frequently asked questions is available on MyWidener and at www.widener.edu/coronavirus. You may also direct questions to [email protected].

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM NOT COMPLIANT WITH THE VACCINATION POLICY?

Students, staff, and faculty who are not vaccinated or have not received an exemption will not be permitted on campus.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF A STUDENT IN MY CLASS CONTRACTS COVID?

If you or a classmate contracts COVID, we will work with you and the University’s Student Health Services office to determine what mitigation and contact tracing efforts are needed. This is how we have effectively managed similar situations this semester with our Civil Law Clinic, which has been operating in person without the need for closures. Please contact Student Health Services and Dean Teplitz if you test positive for COVID.

Positive COVID-19 Cases by Campus

The information on this Widener University webpage reflects weekly and monthly data on the number of individuals who have reported positive test results for COVID-19. All students and staff must report symptoms and positive test results to Student Health Services at 610.499.1183 or [email protected]. 

Spring 2021 Update

November 6, 2020: Widener University Commonwealth Law School Interim Dean Michael Hussey provides updates to students on the Spring 2021 semester.

Fall 2020 Update

July 28, 2020: Widener University Commonwealth Law School Interim Dean Michael Hussey provides updates to students on the Fall 2020 semester.

Health & Safety Plan for PA Dept of Education

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires Pennsylvania postsecondary education institutions to publish a “Health and Safety Plan” before resuming in-person operations. Widener's plan will be communicated to students, faculty, and staff and is available online as well. See Widener's Health and Safety Plan.

University Communications

All Widener University (main campus) communications are available at widener.edu/coronavirus. We encourage all members of the Widener community, including faculty and staff, to monitor widener.edu/coronavirus for important updates that may pertain to them. 

Additional Resources

Links are also available at widener.edu/coronavirus.

Last Modified: This page was last updated on October 12, 2022 at 10:13 AM