Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The CDC website has excellent resources on prevention and treatment, including factsheets in English, simplified Chinese, and Spanish.

Because COVID-19 symptoms closely match those of the flu and other respiratory illnesses, self-diagnosis is unreliable. Williams students that have been allowed to stay on campus should call Health Services at 413.597.2206 with health concerns. To limit the risk of contagion, Health Services is not currently accepting walk-ins. Instead, please call to report your concerns first, and the staff there will instruct you.

Faculty and staff, please call your healthcare provider to report any concerns and ask their advice. Do not walk into a doctor’s office, ER or urgent care facility without calling first. Here are expanded resources for protecting ourselves and our community.

On March 16, the college campus closed to the public and all events canceled until further notice. We are continually reviewing the situation and will inform the campus community if it becomes necessary to extend or amend this policy. Previews, our campus program for admitted students and families, was canceled, and there will be no admission tours or info sessions during this time. Admitted students and their families are able to take part in an online Previews experience.

Faculty event organizers with questions should please contact the Office of Commencement and Academic Events, while students should reach out to the Office of Student Life. Staff  points of contact vary, so please work with the appropriate liaison for your particular program.

Spring athletics, both practices and competition, were canceled beginning Monday, March 16. The NESCAC presidents met and unanimously concluded that conference competition, including championships, are canceled for the 2020 spring season.

Williams is tracking the spread of the disease and taking steps consistent with advice from public health experts while also planning our response to emerging concerns. To stay abreast of the latest developments, the college is tracking news and recommendations from the following sources: the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. State Department, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). We are also in regular contact with area hospitals and healthcare providers and are incorporating recommendations from professional associations with expertise in areas including food preparation, sanitation, etc.

President Mandel has been meeting with a small executive team to review the rapidly developing situation and direct updates of college policies or protocols as needed. The team includes Vice President for Campus Life Steve Klass, who previously led the college’s H1N1 response; Chief Communications Officer Jim Reische, who helps supervise Williams’ emergency communications; and Chief of Staff Keli Gail.

Working groups were charged by the steering group with conducting in-depth analysis and making recommendations in four broad areas:

• The academic group looks at the potential impact on the curriculum and academic program, and options for ensuring continuity. This group includes John Gerry, Associate Dean of the Faculty; Barron Koralesky, Chief Information Officer; Marlene Sandstrom, Dean of the College and Hales Professor of Psychology (chair); and Christina Stoiciu, Director of International Education and Study Away.
• The business continuity group looks at preparedness and resilience in college-wide administrative systems like payroll, student accounts and purchasing. This group includes Temesgen Araya, Director of Dining Services; Danielle Gonzalez, Director of Human Resources; Barron Koralesky, Chief Information Officer; Frederick Puddester, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer (chair); Christina Sanborn, Executive Director for Facilities Operations; and Matthew Sheehy, Associate Vice President for Finance.
• The communications group develops communications strategy, including both public information/prevention messaging and emergency communications. This group includes Jim Reische, Chief Communications Office (chair); Greg Shook, Director of Media Relations; and Robert White, Director of Parent and Family Programs.
• The operations group looks at essential functions including housing, dining and transportation. This group includes Temesgen Araya, Director of Dining Services; David Boyer, Director of Campus Safety and Security; Deborah Flynn, Director of Medical Services; Dan Levering, Assistant Director for Custodial Services and Special Functions; Doug Schiazza, Director of Student Life; Matthew Sheehy, Associate Vice President for Finance (chair); and Tony Sinico, Associate Director for Emergency Management.