CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS

Eastern Washington University has been closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Latest Updates

As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17. What’s new?

New Attestation Process

All employees who are working on one of EWU’s campuses are required to fill out a daily symptom check online before coming to campus or immediately upon arrival.

COVID-19 Symptom Check

Case Reporting, Tracking & Notification Procedures

EWU has received reports of positive coronavirus cases and reports of potential exposure of individuals among the campus community. We are tracking all reported cases, coordinating with public health officials, sanitizing affected areas, and following contact tracing and notification protocols. Individuals and groups who are identified as having been in close contact with someone on campus who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be appropriately notified. Per the Spokane Regional Health District, someone is a close contact if they were within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more. Should a situation arise with a broader impact, the university will notify the campus community of any issues or concerns.

Report a Case

New COVID-19 Safety Measures

Employees are encouraged to telecommute whenever possible, effective Monday, July 6, 2020. No in-person meetings or events will be permitted on campus until July 20.

Read the Full Employee Email

What’s Open?

Prevention Measures

Students, Residents & Visitors

Parents &
Families

Future Student Assistance

Faculty & Staff Resources

Travel & Study Abroad

Health Services & Testing

New Messages

Sent to all employee emails

Good Afternoon,

The Eastern Washington University Human Resources Office is receiving numerous questions about what employees may expect regarding the University’s operations for fall quarter 2020.  In response, we have prepared and attached “Fall 2020 Reopening Guidance” which is designed to respond to the most frequent questions. The guidance covers the following topics:

  • COVID-19 training;
  • Daily attestations;
  • Masks;
  • Social distancing requirements;
  • Hand washing and routine sanitization;
  • COVID-19 symptoms, positive tests, quarantine, and isolation;
  • Teleworking;
  • Online school for employees’ children;
  • School or daycare closures; protocols for programs in locations other than the Cheney campus;
  • What to do if you have safety concerns or questions; and
  • Links to additional information regarding COVID-19

If we can be of additional assistance, let us know. You are welcome to call the Human Resources Office at 509.359.2381.

Deborah Danner, JD
Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Human Resources Office

Sent to all employee and student emails August 12, 2020

Today we are announcing more details about the university’s “Max Flex” approach for instruction this fall. In order to minimize potential health-related disruptions in instruction and to maintain our attentiveness to public health concerns, Eastern will offer only online instruction after the Thanksgiving/Native American Heritage day holiday break. 

This means that any course approved for in-person instruction will not meet in person after the holiday: this includes finals week. By limiting in-person interactions, we will mitigate the possible transmission of infection and allow us the best possible start-up environment for faculty and students in winter quarter and spring semester.

While some students may opt to live off-campus once courses transition to the online-only format, we welcome them to continue living in the residential halls through the remainder of the term and will provide them with all the necessary support services.

The university is currently working on a comprehensive telework and return-to-work plan for faculty and staff. Human Resources will share more information once the plan has been finalized.

We are continuing to update the Guide to Fall 2020 website with this and more information related to fall operations.

For information related specifically to COVID-19, please visit EWU’s coronavirus website.

Stay strong! Masks and social distancing saves lives.

David May
Interim President

Sent to all employee emails July 31, 2020

Good Afternoon,

EWU has updated its process for employees who are working on campus to provide a daily verification that they are not experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 or under a current quarantine order. All employees who are working on one of EWU’s campuses are required to fill out a daily symptom check online before coming to campus or immediately upon arrival. A link to this form is available at the top of the webpage at inside.ewu.edu.

In addition, we wanted to remind you that we all have a responsibility to protect one another and do our part in helping to promote a healthy and safe campus community. This includes protecting yourself, others, and our community. Here are some simple steps you can take:

  1. Protect Yourself
    • Complete the daily COVID-19 symptom check whenever you are coming to campus
    • Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet when possible
    • Wash your hands often using soap and water
    • Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
    • Avoid touching your face
  2. Protect Others
    • Wear a face mask both indoors and outdoors unless you are alone or in your home
    • Stay home if you are sick, have symptoms associated with COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  3. Protect Our Eagle Community
    • Notify the COVID-19 Response Team immediately if you know of an EWU community member who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19. The reporting form is available at: ewu.edu/reportcovid. This allows us to immediately respond with contact tracing, sanitizing, and support.
    • Follow guidance from the local health district and EWU with respect to testing, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine

Thank you and stay safe! 

Deborah Danner, JD
Associate Vice President, Human Resources

Sent to all employee emails July 6, 2020

Dear Campus Community:

From the beginning of the pandemic, EWU has put the health and safety of our students, staff, and faculty at the center of our decision-making. Now, as the number of new cases increases significantly in our region, we will continue and even redouble those efforts.

Keeping health and safety in mind, and after consulting with our local public health experts, we’ve made the difficult decision to have courses beginning in the second summer session be delivered all online. This decision does not change the specific learning opportunities in semester-based courses that have already been approved as required for licensure or accreditation.

If you have questions, please contact Provost May or others in his office who will be able to give answers for individual situations.

I know this decision will disappoint some, but it was made unavoidable by current public health realities. To help answer questions and hear concerns about summer and fall, I invite you to join me, executive leadership, and campus experts for a virtual town hall focused on campus preparedness and plans for fall:

Date:  Tuesday, July 14
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Zoom link: ewu.zoom.us/j/99475925722

I hope you are staying healthy and safe. I look forward to meeting with you by Zoom next week.

Mary Cullinan
President

Sent to all employee emails July 2, 2020

Good Morning,

Based on the significant influx of COVID-19 cases in Spokane County, EWU is taking steps to reduce the amount of potential exposure to the virus on its campus. For the health and safety of our university community, it is imperative that people follow the Governor’s order to wear masks and follow social distancing protocols.

Effective Monday, July 6th:

  • Employees are encouraged to telecommute whenever possible
  • No in-person meetings or events will be permitted on campus until July 20th
  • Employees should not be working on campus if they cannot maintain a minimum of six feet of distance between themselves and others. If there are areas where this is not possible, such as cubicles or confined work spaces, employees should rotate between teleworking and being on campus to minimize contact between individuals. If teleworking is not an option, employees should contact their supervisors to see if an alternative work location is available where they are able to adequately socially distance. Essential employees whose jobs do not allow them to maintain social distancing should contact their supervisors to discuss other protective measures
  • Masks are required within EWU’s buildings unless someone is working alone in their office.  You may wear your own mask or contact your supervisor to obtain a cloth mask

We care about the safety and welfare of our employees and campus community.  Please help us in keeping our community safe.

Thank you.

Deborah Danner, J.D.
Associate Vice President Human Resources

Sent to all employee emails June 25, 2020

Good Afternoon,

Please take time to reviewed the important EWU news article posted today on Inside EWU regarding COVID-19.  The article provides details on the following:

  • New requirements to wear face masks beginning Friday, June 26th in response to the Order issued by Governor Jay Inslee;
  • How to obtain a university-supplied reusable mask;
  • How to file a report of a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19; and
  • Link to EWU’s COVID-19 resource page

You can access the article on Inside EWU at https://inside.ewu.edu/.

If you have questions regarding these updates,  you can contact Human Resources at 509.359.2381.

Deborah Danner, J.D.
Associate Vice President, Human Resources

Sent to all employee emails May 28, 2020 – see email for important attachments

Good Afternoon,

As of May 22, 2020, the Governor’s Office approved Spokane, Pend Oreille and Stevens County to progress to Phase 2 of the “Safe Start” Recovery plan.  Under Phase 2, employees who perform professional services, which means employees who perform office based occupations, can begin returning to work onsite in these counties on June 1, 2020.  The University has spent the past few days preparing safety plans to support this transition.

Employee Guide and Training

You will find attached the Employee Guide for Returning to Work During COVID-19 Pandemic.  All employees who will be working on site, including those who have remained on campus over the past few weeks, must review this document.  The Guide details new procedures that employees will be expected to comply with as we move into Phase 2.

Additionally, employees who will be working on site, including those who have remained on campus over the past few weeks, are also required to complete Return to Work Training which can be accessed at https://canvas.ewu.edu/enroll/NKNT6T by June 8, 2020 or within one week of return to campus.

How do I Prepare to Return to Work

You will need to work with your supervisor to coordinate arrangements for your return.

As you return to work, you will need to ensure you have your keys or prox card because buildings remain closed to the public, except for the PUB.  Employees must be free of symptoms potentially related to COVID-19 before reporting to work.  Each day, employees are expected to check their temperatures to ensure they are below 100.4◦ and to confirm that they do not have any shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or a new cough that is not associated with a non-COVID related illness or condition.  If employees have these symptoms, they will need to call their supervisors and not report to work.

If you are eligible to return, but feel unsafe, immediately contact your supervisor to discuss telework or leave options.  If your supervisor is willing to authorize telework, you must have a new telework agreement on file with Human Resources Office.  A copy of the telework and leave forms are attached.  If authorized to telework, employees must submit a task sheet to submit to their supervisor documenting the tasks performed while teleworking.  A copy of the task sheet form is also attached.

If you have any questions about this email, you can contact Human Resources at 359-2381 and if you have any questions about employee safety measures or Phase 2 operations, you may contact Risk Management at 359-6618.

Deborah Danner, J.D.
Associate Vice President, Human Resources

Sent to all student and employee emails May 8, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) recently notified EWU that a member of our campus community tested positive for COVID-19. While we are unable to share specific details about the case, we have been reassured by SRHD that the individual had not been on campus during the time they were contagious. The individual is currently in stable condition at their home; EWU has reached out to offer our assistance.

SRHD has been in contact with the individual and followed its contact-tracing protocols for anyone who may have been impacted. At this time, no further health or safety actions need to be taken by EWU or by our students, faculty and staff.

Moving forward, the university will only notify the campus of incidents that require broader action by our community. EWU will continue to work with the health department on contact-tracing and notifying those who may have come in contact with individuals in instances such as these.

Please continue to follow all CDC and public health guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water or, if not available, use hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
  • Consider wearing a mask

If you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

More information about COVID-19 and EWU’s response plan can be accessed at: www.ewu.edu/coronavirus

Sent to all student and employee emails May 5, 2020

Dear Campus Community:

Today we announced our “online-first, maximum flexibility” model for instruction and campus operations this fall. This approach will help ensure the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. I want to thank our faculty experts in public health and science who provided the leadership team with counsel and insight as this framework was developed.

All courses where online instruction is possible will be developed with the goal of delivering those courses online this fall. We will identify courses that cannot be offered online, such as some labs, so they can be approved for face-to-face instruction while following public health guidelines and reducing health risks to students, faculty, and staff.

This plan allows for flexibility: online offerings could switch to face-to-face instruction or a hybrid model if public health restrictions ease. Likewise, if health concerns increase, all courses can shift online using the existing class meeting schedule.

This approach will help students as they plan their schedules, mitigating disruption in their progress toward a degree.

While the first-year live-on requirement has been waived, residential halls and dining operations will be open for students who choose to live on campus. Only one student per room will be permitted; facilities will be cleaned and sanitized frequently. Housing staff will assist residents with social distancing practices and guidance on how to follow other public health measures.

We will continue to monitor and reassess the ongoing situation and, following directives from public health and government officials, make adjustments as needed in the best interest of the health and safety of our campus community.

As always, I deeply appreciate everyone’s flexibility, thoughtfulness, and creativity as we face the complexities of this situation.

If you have questions, please submit them to my Q & A page.

Best wishes,

Mary Cullinan
President

Looking for an older message? See: Archived Messages

Planning, Prevention & Reporting

As part of our planning for having students, staff, or faculty on campus, we have created a mitigation and response plan for EWU.

EWU COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan

(rev. Aug 24, 2020)

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice the three Ws:

  • Wash your hands
  • Watch your distance—stay at least six feet apart
  • Wear your mask

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person to person. Someone who is
aysmptomatic, presymptomatic or actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the
illness to others. Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets that travel up to six feet in the air after an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes. This transmission is similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Shared common surfaces not regularly cleaned are another route of transmission, such as desks, counters, doorknobs, etc.

The university will follow guidelines developed by the CDC and Spokane Regional Health
District. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

  • If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea) you should be tested and assume that you are positive until your test results come back. Begin self-isolation and complete the EWU COVID-19 report form.
  • Someone from EWU will follow up with you. If you are engaged in any in-person activities at EWU, any close contacts will be identified and asked to self-quarantine.
  • Negative COVID-19 results: If your results come back negative, you can return to class when you are feeling better and your close contacts can end self-quarantine.
  • Positive COVID-19 results: If you are positive, you will be asked to continue isolation and can return to class or work when:
    • You are fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications;
    • Your symptoms are improving; and
    • It has been 10 days since the onset of your symptoms.
    • Your close contacts will need to continue to quarantine for 14 days from their last close contact with you. It is recommended that they be tested at 4-7 days of their last exposure to you but must remain in quarantine even if this test comes back negative.

If you are involved in a clinic with patients, additional guidelines may be provided by EWU or the Spokane Regional Health District. If you have any questions, please call the COVID-19 helpline at 509.359.6900.

For more information, view the Spokane Regional Health District’s Return to Work Guide.

One of the ways that we can minimize risk to our community is if students, faculty and staff report to us early. We are asking that you report a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, or if you are in close contact with a person infected with COVID-19, at ewu.edu/reportcovid.

Isolation: separates people who have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 from those that do not

Quarantine: people that have been exposed to the virus by being a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Someone from the Spokane Regional Health District or EWU should be in contact with you to talk about when you can end your isolation or quarantine. In general, these guidelines will be followed:

  • If you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 with symptoms, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
    • At least one day (24 hours) have passed since recovery (defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
    • Improvement in symptoms; and
    • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
  • If you did not have COVID-19 symptoms (asymptomatic) but tested positive and are under isolation, you can leave home under the following conditions:
    • At least 10 days have passed since the date of your positive COVID-19 diagnostic test assuming you have not developed symptoms since your positive test.
    • If you develop symptoms, then the above criteria should be used.
  • If it was determined that you were a close contact to someone with COVID-19, you can leave home:
    • 14 days from the last date of exposure. You must quarantine for 14 days even if you take a COVID-19 test that comes back negative.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, people with preexisting health conditions are at higher risk to develop complications from COVID-19 infection. The Department of Health has created guidelines to help you plan and prepare in the event of needing to limit time in public or if you become sick.

Coronavirus is not specific to any ethnicity or race. Racist behavior and stereotyping are not tolerated at Eastern Washington University.

Faculty, instructors, and staff cannot tell students or employees to stay home based on their recent travel history or perceived nation of origin.

If individuals believe they are being treated unfairly, discriminated against or harassed, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action & ADA Compliance at 509.359.6612.

For More Information

Campus Services

EWU is offering Wi-Fi coverage in several campus parking lots in an effort to provide students and employees with internet access from the safety of their own vehicles. The temporary access is now available in these Cheney campus parking lots: Roos Field parking lot, Hargreaves-Isle parking lots, Showalter parking lot, Visitor Center parking lot and Sutton-Martin parking lot.

Those who do not have parking permits should indicate that they are using Wi-Fi if approached by parking enforcement. Tickets will not be issued in that situation.

Other Internet Access Resources

The Pence Union Building (PUB) is only accessible via the plaza (west/back entrance). The first and third floors are unavailable, and visitors must remain on the second floor. There is limited seating available.

The laptop kiosk and printing station have both been temporarily relocated to the second floor to ensure these resources remain available.

Learn More

To align with Gov. Inslee’s directive for restaurants to offer only “to-go” or “delivered meals,” EWU Dining Services will only offer take-out service, no dine-in. Spacing has been marked on floors to control lines, and social distancing measures will be monitored for all customers. Grocery and convenience items will still be sold at the Union Market in the normal fashion.

Beginning April 6, dining hours will be:

  • Union Market
    8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
    9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
  • Einstein’s Bagels
    7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
    Online ordering offered through the Grub Hub app

All spring meal plans have been adjusted to include $250 in Flex dollars to offer residential students greater access to Cheney merchants.

The EWU Food Pantry Program will continue to be stocked and accessible on a limited basis due to the closure of most campus buildings. At this time, the Central Pantry in Tawanka Hall will be open on Tuesdays, 1-4:30 p.m. Please contact the Office of Community Engagement with questions.

Spokane Campus Pantry Info

Please visit WSU’s COVID-19 Updates for Spokane Students page (note: not all services are available to EWU students).

The physical location of the EagleCard Office is currently closed to the public. Services are still offered remotely via email and phone.

Beginning April 6, students and employees needing assistance in-person will be assigned a slot between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Mondays and Fridays. Options are still being considered for individuals not able to return to campus. Office appointments will be 5-10 minutes long, depending on what services are needed. Preparations will be made by EagleCard staff prior to appointments to maintain best practices for social distancing.

Questions: eaglecard@ewu.edu or 509.359.6184

EagleCard Office Information Page

EWU is closed to the public effective March 20. During this time we will not be offering tours. When the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” directive is lifted, admissions will continue to offer on-campus tours but will be taking proactive measures, such as limiting the size of tours.

EWU Admissions staff are working to quickly develop virtual tours and other online experiences for future students and their families. More

The EWU Sports & Recreation Center (SRC/PHASE) and University Recreation Center (URC) will be closed for recreational purposes until further notice.

Though the EWU Eagle Store’s physical location is closed for the time being, you can still place online orders and have them shipped to you.

The PUB’s third Floor Laptop Kiosk has been moved to the second floor. Both the Laptop Kiosk and the print/scan station in the PUB are open with reduced hours coinciding with the building. The PUB Technology Center is closed.

Other computer labs will be open as long as the buildings in which they reside are open (most buildings other than the PUB are closed to the public until the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” directive is lifted).

The Career Center has updated their materials for online delivery and has migrated all of their services online. All career advising appointments, resume and job search assistance as well as employer interviews are being facilitated virtually. Advisors are assisting students through a variety of online, email and telephone services.

Please visit the EWU Career Center website for more information.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) remains committed to supporting student wellbeing and resilience, and is responding to COVID-19 by moving services online. In accordance with social distancing protocols, most individual counseling during spring quarter will be provided via telephone or videoconference (Zoom) sessions.

CAPS will continue to have clinicians available for walk-in or, currently, phone-in sessions. These brief sessions remain available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1-4 p.m. For students who have not been clients of CAPS, online forms will need to be completed prior to speaking with a counselor. Please visit the CAPS website for how to reach out and access services.

Additional services remain available at CAPS including biofeedback resources and TAO self-help online modules.

Please check their websites or contact the centers for the most up-to-date information.

The YMCA Children’s Center at EWU is closed until Washington’s stay-at-home order is lifted. Parents and families have been notified.

More from YMCA

Yes. For campus safety and easy access for first responders, normal campus parking rules and procedures are still being enforced. EWU Parking and Transportation Services customer service is available over the phone (509.359.7275) and electronically (parking@ewu.edu).

Refunds may be issued for spring quarter parking permits if you choose to not return to campus, or pro-rated for annual permits.

Please consult the campus directory and contact the individual office or department for their current operational schedule.

The following campus services and locations remain open:

What’s closed?

All employees who are able to telework must do so. As a result, most buildings on campus will remain closed to the public until further notice, including:

  • Eagle Store 
  • PUB Technology Center
  • EWU/YMCA Children’s Center (closed until the stay-at-home order is lifted)
  • Parking & Transportation (normal parking rules still apply)
  • Spokane Academic Library (limited access via remote operations and front-door services by appointment)
  • Spokane Fitness Center (WSU Health Sciences Campus)
  • Sports & Recreation Center (SRC/PHASE, Aquatic Center)
  • University Recreation Center (URC, ice rink, climbing wall)

Future Student Assistance FAQ

EWU is test-optional. This means you don’t have to submit test scores if you’d prefer not to.

For freshman & transfer students under 40 credits, you have several options and only need to submit one:

  • a recommendation letter from a current teacher or counselor
  • evidence of rigorous high school coursework such as AP, IB, CLEP, or Cambridge courses
  • evidence of college success as an EWU Running Start student
  • evidence of college success as a Running Start Student
  • evidence of college success as a College in the High School student as demonstrated by GPAs of 2.5 for college-level English or 2.5 for college-level math
  • official SAT or ACT scores submitted directly from the testing agency or recorded on an official high school transcript
  • unofficial SAT or ACT scores

If you send test scores, EWU’s SAT school code is 4301 and our ACT school code is 4454. You can ask ACT or CollegeBoard SAT to send your test scores directly to us, or you can send us a copy yourself.

Yes. Students may now submit an alternative to the SAT or ACT in order to receive an admission decision. All policies and updates about test-optional admission can be found online for freshman and transfer students.

Students who have already taken the SAT or ACT may submit unofficial copies of test scores and still receive an admission decision.

Students may submit unofficial transcripts from their high school. Students will still need to provide copies of official transcripts before attending classes. In addition, official transcripts are still necessary to receive credit for college courses that students transfer to EWU.

Applications are due before or by February 1, 2021 for priority consideration. However, we accept applications after the priority deadline throughout early summer. 

EWU is closed to the public. However, we are offering virtual tours and other online experiences for future students and their families. More

EWU Admissions recognizes that future students may face challenges accessing documents and test centers, so we’ve provided alternative options to help keep your application on track.  

Future EWU students can receive an admissions decision by submitting an alternative to an SAT/ACT test. Incoming freshmen may submit unofficial transcripts. We’re proud to lead the state in ensuring access to higher education during this difficult time.

Contact EWU Admissions with any questions. Find out more about EWU by scheduling a virtual tour.

Parents & Families

COVID-19 has affected many areas of our lives and the EWU Housing team has been planning all summer for students to arrive on campus. What we know is that we will need help to keep our community safe. Students will be living in a community of other students and staff at a time that is very different than any other year we have experienced.

Custodial staff will be cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms, elevators, common touchpoints, kitchens and laundry every day. Protexus spraying will be done once a day (this is a type of disinfecting focused on addressing COVID-19). Housing & Residential Life staff will be interacting primarily in a virtual format through social media, Zoom and Canvas. Staff are currently planning some fun virtual activities and events.

In accordance with directives from Governor Inslee, the Spokane County Regional Health District and Eastern Washington University leadership, students will be required to adhere to the following rules and expectations as a resident of campus:

  • Masks
    • Masks must be worn anytime a student is outside of their room or when they
      are not in their room by themself. (This includes hallways and all common
      spaces in a residence hall).
  • Visitors
    • Students may only have visitors that live in the same residence hall.
    • Students may only have one visitor at a time in their room and both people
      should wear masks.
  • Gatherings
    • Gathering in groups of any size in any of the lounges, hallways or common
      areas is not allowed.
  • Laundry
    • Laundry areas will be limited to one person at a time, with a student being
      able to make a reservation to do their laundry.
  • Kitchens
    • Reservations will be available to cook food in the residence hall kitchens.

If a student tests positive for COVID-19 or is identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, the university has identified isolation and quarantine space on campus. Protocols have been developed in consultation with the Spokane Regional Health District and following CDC recommendations. Students will be moved to this reserved space and will need to stay in it for approximately 10-14 days, depending on whether they are in isolation or quarantine. Accommodations for food delivery will be made during this time.

That is a choice for you to make with your student. We want you and the people you care about to feel safe when your student is in college. For some, that means living on
campus while taking classes online. For others, that means living at home and taking online classes. For more information, visit ewu.edu/fallguide2020.

Most fall 2020 courses will be offered online; however, some exceptions may be made for face-to-face classes, such as labs. Course scheduling and offerings are currently in development. Every course will be scheduled as a synchronous meeting pattern (regular meeting days and times). For some courses, there may be an asynchronous component as well. Your student should consult with their instructor, department chair, or academic advisor, as they will have the most up to date information as things continue to evolve.

At this point in time, EWU continues to require MMR immunizations for students. We do not have any plans in place yet to require additional immunizations. Visit ewu.edu/immunization for more information.

Travel & Study Abroad

All travel must be approved by a vice president or the provost. Employees should work with their supervisors to determine what travel may be considered essential.

Effective March 2, 2020, EWU has suspended Individual Student Study Abroad Programming and requested that all students currently abroad return to the U.S. Please see more information below for individual students currently overseas on Study Abroad Programming:

  1. Student are to return home from study abroad by Friday, March 6, 2020. Students should send an email or screenshot of their return itinerary to Elena Axton (eaxton@ewu.edu).
  2. Students are to contact their air carriers themselves to arrange their return; students should be sure to contact the official carrier site.
  3. Students are to return to their homes, not to campus, from abroad. Even students who have homes in Cheney should go to their home addresses but remain away from campus.
  4. All study abroad is on hold.
  5. EWU can reimburse up to $500 in expenses documented to be due to an early return. Students can apply for more funding with complete receipts and records.
  6. Students who had planned to be abroad longer and had arranged housing abroad will be able to stay on campus in a dorm for free for spring quarter 2020.
  7. EWU is in no way liable for students who choose not to return at this time.
  8. EWU is in no way responsible for side trips or non-approved programs study-related travel.
  9. EWU cannot pay additional expenses for students quarantined abroad because of any delay in travel.
  10. CAAR will work individually with students and their faculty to ensure that they will not lose progress to degree.

Students currently overseas on EWU Education Abroad programs or students planning to travel should reach out to their Education Abroad advisor, Elena Axton (eaxton@ewu.edu or 509.481.1128) and monitor this webpage for updates and guidance.

No. As of March 19, The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. Learn More

The travel implications of the health situation are changing quickly. At present, all travel abroad is on hold for EWU students. US travel is currently inadvisable but may be permitted in some critical situations. It is also inadvisable to invest non-refundable dollars toward EWU-related travel for the immediate future. For more travel tips and warnings, please visit the CDC.

This website will be the place to find all updates for the future.

Health Services & Testing

MultiCare Rockwood is our student health services provider and they are prepared and ready to care for patients. Their clinical teams have been trained to identify, isolate, and care for patients with COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses.

For more information, please visit their website.

If you develop the symptoms of COVID-19, and have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19, please call your health care provider before going into the clinic. Multicare can help direct you to one of their facilities for testing.

For staff or students that receive their care through Multicare Rockwood, they are assessing symptoms when you call the clinic. This may be done through a virtual visit or they may schedule an in-person appointment. You can call Multicare Rockwood Cheney at 509.235.6151 for an appointment.

Should any EWU community member be diagnosed with COVID-19, we work together with the Spokane Regional Health District to initiate appropriate protocols and communication to protect the health of anyone deemed to be at risk. In general, only those people who have been identified as a close contact (been within six feet of the person for 15 minutes or longer when they were infectious), will be notified. The university also keeps a tally of the number of cases on campus by week on the risk management website.

Feedback, Questions & Reporting

All members of the university community should report positive COVID-19 diagnoses or share their concerns and questions using the form below.

Give Feedback or Report a Case

EWU Health, Wellness & Prevention Services

201 URC – Cheney, WA 99004
Phone: 509.359.4279
Email: stuhealth@ewu.edu
Website: ewu.edu/bewell

We are your source for health and wellbeing information on campus. Our mission is to support and empower student wellbeing, growth and development through education, information and positive role-modeling. Successful achievement of this commitment is enhanced through collaboration with our campus and surrounding communities.

Text: Questions about COVID-19? Call the WA State Dept of Health: 1.800.525.0127 and press # or visit srhd.org/covid19