COVID-19 Policy & Protocol

Revised Sunday, June 12, 2022.

The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) deeply values the health and safety of every delegate, counselor, staff member, and guest that attends our 2022 seminar. To best protect all participants, and in accord with Carroll University’s current COVID-19 related policies, WAS has adopted the following protocols for the in-person component of our upcoming program, scheduled for June 18-24, 2022. We respectfully expect all participants (defined as any overnight delegates, counselors, staff members, and chaperones) to adhere to these policies when attending our in-person seminar.

POLICY SUMMARY

In summary, the World Affairs Seminar COVID-19 policy and protocol states:

  • Participants are encouraged (but not required) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, however COVID-19 vaccination records will not be collected by WAS staff;
  • Proof of negative PCR test results are no longer required by WAS, in accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
  • Face coverings/masks are optional (but not required);
  • Participants experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had recent exposure with a person known to have COVID-19 prior to arrival should not travel to campus; and,
  • Participants that develop and COVID-19 symptoms while on campus should immediately report to the WAS camp office to check in with nursing staff.

VACCINATIONS

  • Participants are ENCOURAGED (but not required) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to eligibility and recommendations in their region or locality.
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will not be collected by WAS staff.

TESTING

  • World Affairs Seminar will not conduct nor require proof of negative COVID-19 test prior to or upon arrival, in accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants should follow any travel regulations of their region or locality.
  • World Affairs Seminar’s nursing staff will have a limited supply COVID-19 tests available to administer for participants who present symptoms during the seminar.

MASKS/FACE COVERINGS

  • Face coverings/masks will be OPTIONAL for all participants and guests inside Carroll University campus buildings and at outdoor events unless designated as “Mask Required”, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Participants should supply their own masks, if desired, sufficient for the duration of the seminar (7 days).

    CLASSROOM SANITIZATION

    • All classrooms and other indoor spaces will be cleaned and sanitized according to Carroll University’s standard practices.
    • Carroll University has 150 hand sanitizing stations across campus along with sanitary wipe stations in all classroom and residential hall buildings. Carroll’s cleaning procedures use EPA and CDC-approved protocols and supplies for COVID-19 sanitation. Additionally, Carroll’s facilities staff has had increased education of proper sanitation techniques and safety precautions. The university has also updated ventilation systems to improve air quality.

    SYMPTOM MONITORING

    • Participants experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had recent exposure with a person known to have COVID-19 prior to arrival should not travel to campus and should contact WAS immediately to arrange to participate virtually. Participants who convert their participation from in-person to virtual will not be permitted to switch back to in-person attendance for any reason.
    • Each participant will be asked to self-monitor for symptoms each morning and before each activity, including upon arrival and check-in to the seminar.
    • People with COVID-19 may have a wide range of symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Participants with any COVID-19 symptom should immediately report to the WAS camp office to check in with nursing staff.
    • WAS’s nursing staff will make all determinations for testing and/or isolation/quarantine protocols, following Carroll University and/or local/state/federal recommendations.

    ISOLATING & QUARANTINING

    • In accordance with Carroll University policies, if any participant begins experiencing symptoms while on campus, that participant must notify World Affairs Seminar’s nursing staff, who will then notify the University. The participant must leave campus immediately. Isolation rooms will be available for overnight guests who cannot depart campus in a reasonable time frame.
    • Participants in isolation or quarantine may only leave campus with parent/guardian authorization in order to return home. Participants may not rejoin the seminar.
    • Refunds or partial refunds will not be granted to participants or their sponsor(s) if a participant is required to isolate or quarantine.

    SEMINAR GUESTS

    • The program, from time to time, may permit or require guests to participate in the program, including but not limited to keynote and breakout speakers, program auditors, and activity facilitators.
    • Any guests should check-in at the WAS camp office upon arrival to obtain a guest badge.
    • Guests are not permitted in Residence Halls, except for parents upon drop-off and pick-up of their delegate participant.
    • Participants (including delegates, counselors and staff) are not permitted to invite or host guests to campus during the duration of the seminar.

    OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

    • WAS will have a full nursing staff, including a physician on call and at least one designated administrator responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns.
    • All WAS staff and counselors will be trained on COVID-19 prevention protocols.
    • All participants are encouraged to frequently participate in hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after activities are completed, as well as before meals. Hand sanitizer is provided by Carroll University throughout campus.
    • Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle, labelled with their own name, to minimize use and touching of water stations. Touch-free water fill stations are available in some facilities for participants who have their own reusable water bottle.
    • Each participant’s belongings should be separated from others’ (i.e. roommate’s) and should be individually labeled.
    • Participants must cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into crease of elbow. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Participants are prohibited from leaving campus for any reason. Participants who leave campus, other than as part of official/scheduled programming (i.e. field trips), will not be permitted to rejoin the seminar and will be asked to vacate their Residence Hall and depart from campus.

    FAILURE TO COMPLY

    Compliance with these policies is the responsibility of all participants of the World Affairs Seminar and is instrumental to mitigating risk to a residential summer camp experience during a pandemic. In accordance with Carroll University policies, violating or disregarding directives, protocols, or procedures enacted by the university or WAS to protect the health and safety of the university community will not be tolerated. WAS’s counselors and staff will be trained in identify and correcting behavior that is not in compliance with these policies. Participants who are unable to comply with these policies and protocols will be removed from the seminar and will be asked to vacate their Residence Hall and depart from campus at their own expense and without refund.

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
    Carroll University COVID-19 Homepage: https://www.carrollu.edu/coronavirus

    These COVID-19 policies, procedures and recommendations are subject to change at the recommendation of Carroll University and/or local/state/national health officials. Any questions about these policies/procedures should be directed to World Affairs Seminar administration via email at contact@worldaffairsseminar.org.

     

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    World Affairs Seminar
    10600 W. Mitchell Street
    West Allis, Wisconsin 53214
    414-453-4984

    Privacy Policy:

    The World Affairs Seminar does not share or sell personal information about students or sponsors with any other organization except as authorized by signed release. This includes personal, health, financial, or other information. Information you post on public websites and other accessible media is your responsibility.

    Refund Policy:

    To receive credit after payment has been made, students, sponsors must notify the World Affairs Seminar in writing that their delegate is unable to attend, or if the sponsor is unable to fill a paid for space at the Seminar. (e-mail is considered "in writing" for these purposes as long as the e-mail is acknowledged as having been received.) Full credit applies if notification is received by April 1; 50% credit if application is cancelled between April 1 but prior to May 21; no credit is available if application is cancelled after May 21, unless extraordinary circumstances such as illness, death exist. All cancellation credits are subject to $75.00 processing fee and must be used within one calendar year. Note: in agreeing to attend WAS, parents and students promise to reimburse their sponsor for the full amount of any loss due to cancellation. WAS offices: (414) 453-4984, or contact@worldaffairsseminar.org.

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