Face Coverings Required in Housing | Photo by Diana Jaber | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University (WSU) extends optional post-Labor Day Covid testing for residential students.
Covid testing extension
Due to testing kit shortages, WSU suspends distribution of Abbott BinaxNow Covid testing kits.
In a campus-wide email, Residence Life and Housing announced the university ordered more supplies from the state of Ohio, set to arrive early this week. Due to the shortage, the testing period for residential students is extended until Sept. 17.
The testing program
WSU began testing residential students for Covid after Labor Day due to heightened social activity during the holiday weekend.
The original announcement, sent by Genessa Merritt, Director of Student Health Services, indicated Covid testing for residential students was mandatory.
“You [student] MUST take this test between Wednesday, Sept. 8, and Friday, Sept. 10,” the email said.
Dan Bertsos, Director of Residence Life and Housing, stated both verbally and in the most recent email communication that residential students are not required to participate in the testing program, making it difficult for the university to enforce.
“Since it is not required, there is not a lot we are going to do other than ask folks if they are not going to take the test, [to] be careful and wear their mask,” Bertsos said.
The director did not clarify when or why the parameters of the testing program changed.
Masking policy
Unlike the optional residential testing programs and vaccine programs, the university requires masking in all campus buildings, common areas and residential halls.
The masking policy extends to social floor lounges and communal laundry rooms in the residential halls and apartments.
According to Christopher Hogan, director of the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct, residential assistants, community directors, housing staff members and students may report masking violations in the residence halls.
The masking policy, reissued mid-summer semester 2021, is strictly enforced. Repeat violators of the policy face a $25 fine and other possible penalties according to Hogan.
