Dear Shockers:
It is hard to believe that more than a year has passed since we first began implementing changes on our campus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we perhaps adapted to a new sense of normal, we cannot overlook the enormity of all that we accomplished: a shift to online learning, remote working, and rapid response to ever-changing public health orders dictating mask requirements, social distancing, gathering limitations, and travel quarantines. We understand that navigating through this pandemic has required sacrifices – great and small – from all of us and we remain grateful for your continued cooperation, patience and flexibility.
While the future of this pandemic and its effect on our daily lives still remains somewhat unknown, we are pleased to be coming to you with a message of cautious optimism as we continue our transition a mode of operation similar to before the pandemic.
Changes to public health orders
As you know, last week, Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to rescind all local COVID health orders, effectively immediately, and adopted a resolution that strongly recommends that individuals continue to practice COVID-healthy behaviors for the next 90 days: be vaccinated when eligible, wear a mask and maintain social distance. Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have followed all guidance and orders issued by state and local public health authorities. Accordingly, WSU has rescinded all mandates requiring masks, social distancing and mass gathering limitations on our campus. However, we continue to strongly encourage our entire campus community to engage in these practices whenever possible. We also encourage everyone to get the vaccine when they become eligible. Please visit our website to learn more about how to get the vaccine. Watch for updates soon to WSU’s suggested guidance on planning and hosting safe campus events.
We understand that, in certain cases, there may be programmatic requirements for faculty, staff and students to wear masks – for example, in our patient-serving clinics or students on clinical practicums and rotations, or in those instances where close contact cannot be avoided, and additional precautions may be warranted. Please consult with your supervisor and/or instructor for further instructions.
Campus operations
Everyone will soon be able to enjoy a return to the busy and vibrant campus so many of us have missed this past year. That includes in-person classes, services, events, activities and research.
As previously communicated, we will have two course delivery options for the summer and fall: online and hybrid. While those courses designated as “online” operate entirely online, hybrid course options include in-person instruction with the flexibility for online delivery. These delivery designations are available in the course schedule and course design web page, allowing students to make an informed decision regarding enrollment.
Additionally, we have planned a return to pre-pandemic operations for our faculty and staff beginning June 1. For those who worked in person and on campus prior to the pandemic, this will include a return to on-campus work.
Next steps
We understand that these most recent changes are still new to everyone. We also understand that everyone’s comfort level with these changes may be different. That’s why we’re starting the planning and communication process early.
Employees who are unsure if they will be able to return to work on campus should speak with their supervisor and HR business partner to explore the possibility of an accommodation or remote work.
Students with questions regarding course delivery options are encouraged to work with their academic advisor or success coach for further assistance.
There will be much more information to come as we prepare for this transition. Please watch our most recent town hall here, or email questions to covid@wichita.edu.
Finally, as we have said countless times before, if this pandemic taught us nothing else, it is that even the best-laid plans and intentions cannot guarantee us certainties. So, as we work toward what will now be our post-pandemic normal, we understand that we must continue to remain flexible and willing and able to pivot to alternative arrangements as circumstances dictate. We ask for your understanding and patience during these next few months. We will continue to keep you updated on our plans for summer, fall and beyond.
Thank you for all you do and for your commitment to Wichita State University.
With gratitude,
Dr. Rick Muma, interim president
Dr. Shirley Lefever, interim provost
Frequently Asked Questions
Wichita State is not prohibited from requiring masks under SB 40. However, the university is in the unfortunate position of trying to navigate Sedgwick County’s rescission of all COVID health orders and how we would enforce a campus-wide mandate without supporting governmental restrictions. We continue to strongly encourage our entire campus community to engage in COVID-healthy practices whenever possible and we absolutely support our students, faculty, and staff should they choose to continue wearing masks. As you come on campus in the next few weeks and months, you may notice some facilities and events have mask and/or social distancing requirements, or limited attendance. We ask everyone for their cooperation in these cases.
We will continue to monitor the spread of COVID on our campus and will be prepared
to pivot back to mandatory restrictions if necessary. And of course, we will follow
all local public health and governmental orders.
Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to rescind all local COVID health orders, effectively immediately, and adopted a resolution that strongly recommends that individuals continue to practice COVID-healthy behaviors for the next 90 days: be vaccinated when eligible, wear a mask and maintain social distance.
WSU has followed the guidance and orders issued by Sedgwick County since the beginning
of the pandemic and is in the unfortunate position of trying to navigate the County’s
rescission of all COVID health orders and the enforcement of a campus mandate without
governmental restrictions. We continue to strongly encourage our entire campus community
to engage in these practices whenever possible. We also encourage everyone to get
the vaccine when they become eligible. Please visit our website to learn more about how to get the vaccine and for suggested guidance on planning and hosting safe campus events.
The University recognizes that there are still going to be those situations and circumstances where mask and social distancing mandates may be required. For example, in our patient-serving clinics or students on clinical practicums and rotations, or in those instances where close contact cannot be avoided. You may also notice some facilities and events have mask and/or social distancing requirements, or limited attendance. We ask everyone for their cooperation in these cases. Employees and students are asked to consult with their supervisor and/or instructor for further instructions.
We strongly encourage students and employees to get a vaccine and exercise COVID-health behaviors on and off of campus. We recommend that students with concerns about returning to campus due to health reasons contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) as they would for any illness or situation that could impact their ability to attend in-person classes and be successful in a class. ODS will work to make resources available or will work with the instructor to make adjustments that will allow the student to be successful. Depending on the specific situation, students may also be able to select courses that will be delivered entirely online or remotely. We also encourage students to work with their advisor or success coach as they can help students with course selections to meet their needs.
Employees are encouraged to speak with their supervisor and/or HR Business Partner.
