COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, everyone on BW's campus or at the Whistle Stop is required to wear a mask. Neck gaitors or similar face coverings are not allowed.

CAS is making every effort to ensure we are addressing all safety concerns.

• More than 1,000 hand sanitizer stations have been installed across BW's campus (including the Whistle Stop)
• Limited class capacity to comply with social distancing
• Staggered class times to allow for distancing between classes
• Extensive cleaning protocols for all classrooms, common areas and high touch surfaces in partnership with our custodial company, Aramark
• Plexiglass barriers at interaction points such as office counters
• Remodeled classroom spaces to allow for proper distancing of students during classes
• Each individual CAS department has additional safety guidelines specific to their class needs. More information specific to the measures guiding all University activity can be found here.

CAS will not be selling concessions or water bottles this semester. All students should bring their own. Water bottles should be clearly labeled with the student's name.

Select private lesson faculty members will offer in-person private lessons, based on studio availability and a variety of safety considerations for the specific instrument. Many CAS private music lessons typically scheduled at the Conservatory of Music will be provided in a virtual format during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Both faculty and students must be agreeable to an in-person private lesson. If one party is not able to continue in an in-person format, CAS has permitted each private lesson studio to conduct virtual lessons as needed.

Dance and theatre private lessons occurring at the Whistle Stop will continue in either in-person or virtual format as indicated by the department or associated class offering.

No. There are liability and insurance issues that regulate facilities in which an instructor can teach. As of this time, private lessons can only occur in BW owned or rented facilities in which our umbrella insurance policy applies. 

Many CAS faculty are planning virtual studio recitals for the upcoming semester. Studio recitals will be offered in a virtual format where you will be able to share a watch party link with friends and relatives who want to enjoy the recital.

Yes, this semester we will be offering all of our dance classes in-person. Any student who does not feel comfortable returning in person will have the option to take any class virtually.

CAS is making every effort to keep all students socially distanced during their dance classes. Each class will have a maximum enrollment number. Each dance studio will have socially distant zones clearly marked on the floors. Students will be assigned a zone at the beginning of class. Throughout class students will be required to stay in their assigned zones. Any student who does not follow social distancing guidelines will be immediately removed from class and will not be permitted to return for the remainder of the semester.

Yes. All dance classes will continue, uninterrupted, if we need to move to a purely virtual format. Our CAS dance curriculums have all been specifically formatted to be able to accommodate a purely virtual learning landscape. Special care and attention has been put into the curriculum to ensure that dancers will still be able to develop and grow in their dance while taking into account the space and equipment limitations home learning presents.

We understand that at this time there may be families who are uncomfortable with in-person dance classes. New technology improvements in our studio spaces allow any student the ability to virtually participate in our dance classes.

Students will be allowed to participate in any dance class via Zoom. Students who are participating virtually will need to provide at least 24-hours advance notice to ensure that the instructors can be prepared for a dancer choosing virtual participation.

Our dance classes will be following a project-based learning model. Throughout the course of the semester, dancers will be working on programs to present in a final performance. We will have a virtual watch party to celebrate all the dancers have accomplished during their instruction time. You will be able to share our watch party link with friends and relatives who are interested in seeing your dancer perform.

CAS places student and family safety above all. We have developed a new learning platform for our winter/spring semester that takes into account the most conservative safety protocols using guidelines set forth by the state and research. This platform has been thoughtfully developed to ensure students are learning and growing in this new landscape. It is not in the best interest of the curriculum and student development to simply translate our typical classes to this new format. The classes that are being offered are the most educationally beneficial for our dancers at this time.

We have constructed a very specific schedule that mitigates high traffic and gathering in our hallways, lobbies and classrooms. This schedule allows classes to enter and exit with no crossover between students in other classes. Students will not be able to come early or stay late for their dance classes.

Dancers will be allowed to bring one (1) bag with them to class. All of their materials (i.e. street clothes, street shoes, coats, dance shoes, dance materials, keys, cell phones, etc.) must fit within this one bag. We encourage our students to only bring what is absolutely necessary for their dance classes.

Each dancer will need the type of dance shoes required for their individual class. We recommend our preferred vendor, Footsteps Dancewear. Dancers will also need to follow the dress code for their in-person classes. Dance shoe and dress code requirements can be found in the individual dance class description. Any additional materials needed for your dancer’s class will be provided by CAS. These materials will be presented to your student during their first class. Dancers will be responsible for bringing these provided materials to ALL of their dance classes. Dancers will also need to provide their own water bottles. All water bottles and bags must be clearly labeled with your dancer’s name.

There are a limited number of dance private lessons available each semester. Dance private lessons are not guaranteed and are based on instructor and studio availability.

New Horizons members will continue to have the opportunity to stay connected in a virtual project for the spring semester. Current members will be contacted directly to learn more specifics and registration information.

Yes. MusicPlay will occur outdoors (weather permitting) in late spring. Students and caregivers will be provided their own individual set of materials.

No, supplies are included in the tuition for all classes with the exception of Introduction to Photography.