A collage of students wearing masks.

COVID-19

Western Michigan University is planning a safe return to near-normal operations for the fall 2021 semester. We plan to offer a robust on-campus environment with a wide array of learning, living and cocurricular opportunities. 

Throughout the semester, it is our goal to keep you informed of any and all changes that may affect your campus experience. While we will continue to update you via email and social media, you may also check back here for timely updates.

Announcements

Safety measures to continue

On Sept. 29, 2021, President Montgomery announced COVID-19 safety protocols will continue, including mandatory weekly testing for individuals who don't have their vaccination verified, masking indoors, providing safety badges at facilities, requiring the daily health survey for the unvaccinated or unverified, and encouraging distancing where feasible.

Read the message

Updated safety protocols

On Aug. 31, 2021, the University announced mandatory COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff who have not had their vaccination verified with Sindecuse Health Center will take place at the Fetzer Center; masking is recommended for outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people; and two new color designations have been added to the badging system.

Read the message Learn about testing

Campus messages

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has shared timely updates and announcements related to COVID-19 and vaccination policy and procedure.

View campus messages

  • Daily health survey

    Take the daily health survey each day before you come to campus if you don't have verified vaccination.

    Take the survey

  • Vaccine incentives

    Fully vaccinated? To show our gratitude, we’ve instituted some incentives for students and employees.

    View incentives

Your safety routine at Western

All students, faculty and staff who have not completed the vaccination verification and registration process are required to complete the daily health survey before coming to campus each day. Upon completing the survey, you will receive a green, red, orange or purple badge accompanied by any restrictions and instructions regarding your status. 

Students, faculty and staff who upload documentation of full vaccination will no longer have to complete the daily health survey once their vaccination status is verified. Upon login, their badge status will continue to indicate they are cleared to come to campus unless they report symptoms.

All students, faculty and staff must test regularly at the Fetzer Center unless they are fully vaccinated (14 days past their final dose) and have had their vaccination status verified by Sindecuse Health Center. Mandatory no-cost testing will begin at the start of the fall semester and continue every week. Learn more about mandatory testing.