Dr. Greg Hand has published over 140 scientific articles and book chapters. “I am excited to be joining Wichita State University, which has a reputation as a university on the move,” he said.
Wichita State hires new dean for College of Health Professions
Dr. Greg Hand, professor of epidemiology, medicine and physical activity and sports sciences at West Virginia University, has been named dean of the College of Health Professions at Wichita State University, effective Sept. 7, 2020.
“In Dr. Hand’s interviews, it was obvious from his background in providing health care leadership, conducting research in the health field and conceptualizing new public health educational programs, that he was the best choice to lead the College of Health Professions,” said WSU Executive Vice President and Provost Richard Muma, who appointed Hand.
Muma said he has asked Hand to prepare to focus immediately on embracing the culture of the College and health care community and connect its faculty and staff to WSU’s focus as an urban public research university by increasing enrollment opportunities and helping the health care industry solve some of their most pressing issues.
Information every employee needs to know about and comply with if they are exhibiting symptoms, have been exposed or diagnosed with COVID 19
The HR Total Rewards team has developed procedures for supervisors and employees to follow when an employee has symptoms, has been exposed to, or is diagnosed with COVID-19. These procedures are available on the HR main website at www.wichita.edu/HR, and all supervisors and employees must familiarize themselves with these procedures and follow them in situations that apply.
No employee who is exhibiting symptoms or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 should report to work in person, and should leave work immediately if they have an onset of symptoms. Similarly, if an employee is notified by public health officials that they have been identified as a close contact of a known case of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “being exposed”), they should not report to work in person, even if they do not display symptoms.
Employees who are able to do so should work remotely while their leave status is being determined Those who are not able to perform their work remotely should log absences as Sick Leave. If a different leave benefit is determined to apply, this will be corrected during payroll processing.
All employees, including temporary, student, and grant-funded employees, may have paid leave benefits available for COVID-related circumstances under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA).
• Supervisors are not responsible for determining which leave benefits apply to their employees. If an employee is absent from work for reasons related to COVID-19, they should email TotalRewards@wichita.edu, and the Leave Administrator will work directly with the employee to discuss applicable leave and pay benefits.
o Supervisors are responsible for following the appropriate Supervisor Procedures when an Employee is Diagnosed With or Exposed to COVID-19 or when an Employee Becomes Ill at Work.
o Supervisors are responsible for notifying the HR Total Rewards team of any employee who reports symptoms of, diagnosis with, or exposure to COVID-19, using the above procedures to maintain confidentiality.
o Supervisors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of medical information, including an employee’s diagnosis, pending test results, or reported exposure to COVID-19. Do not, under any circumstances, disclose any information about the employee, including the name or any information that could identify the employee (e.g., gender, age, physical description), to any other individual. There is no need for supervisors to do any investigation into potential contacts other than gathering the requested information from the Affected Employee. If an individual is identified as a “close contact” of an infected employee, they will be notified directly by the Sedgwick County Health Department.
• At this time, WSU is relying upon local health officials and medical professionals to make the determination of when an employee has been cleared to return to work. High testing volume may delay test results, but an employee should not be permitted to return to on-campus work until they have been medically cleared to do so.
Teaching This Fall: Day 8 Questions about Technology
To support instructors who are prepping their classes for fall, the Faculty Curricular Design Working Group has created 10 sets of featured questions related to our new teaching environment. Each day we will post one set of frequently asked questions to respond to issues that faculty have raised about how to be prepared.
FAQs Set #8: Questions about Technology
- My class uses software that is only available in an on-campus computer lab. I am
not comfortable coming to campus to teach. Will the university buy licenses for all
my students?
SPSS will be available for student use on their computers. Instructors should reach out to their department chairperson with additional needs. Colleges will manage remote access for students in classes using software installed on lab computers via the WSU Virtual Private Network (VPN). More information.
- Are there video recording services available for instructor use at WSU?
Yes. Complete a Video Production Request Form for the WSU Video Production team to help record lectures for the fall semester. Recording takes place in the WSU Media Resource Center’s (MRC) studio but may be expanded to master classroom spaces depending on demand for the service.
Additional FAQs about teaching this fall can be found on the COVID-19 university webpage.
125th anniversary lapel pins now available
Community members welcome back to University Libraries with limited hours
University Libraries is welcoming back community members with limited hours. Patrons are expected to adhere to safety guidelines laid out in the Shockers United plan for campus re-entry, including bringing and wearing a mask and six-feet social distancing. Community hours are Thursdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. However, Ablah Library will be closed tomorrow (Friday, July 3) Hours subject to change.
Aycock sculpture installation scheduled for early August
Aycock sculpture
Just a friendly reminder that the Ulrich Museum’s installation of the Alice Aycock sculpture, Twister Grande, (tall) is still planned for the about 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, on WSU's Innovation Campus. The public is invited to witness the installation as long as safe self-distancing measures can be practiced (wearing cloth face masks and standing at least six feet apart from each other). Once installed, the Aycock piece will be the 81st sculpture in our world-class Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection.
Volleyball season tickets on sale now
Season tickets for the 2020 Wichita State University volleyball season are now on
sale.
The 2020 schedule is slated to include 11 home matches, including eight American
Athletic Conference contests and three non-conference matches. Due to the current COVID-19 climate, the schedule is subject to change. A full schedule will be unveiled at a later date.
Impacted by the layoffs in Wichita?
In the news lately, we’ve been hearing about the impact across Wichita of the market uncertainty and layoffs that are affecting local businesses and their employees.
If you are a benefits-eligible employee at WSU and you or your spouse is losing health insurance through another employer, this can be a qualifying event for you to add your spouse and/or children to your existing coverages within 31 days of the date the other coverage ends. Email TotalRewards@wichita.edu for more information or assistance with this change.
Human Resources has developed a website with information and resources which might be helpful for employees who may be directly impacted by layoffs. Visit www.wichita.edu/CommunityResources for information and resources available to you.
Michael Rogers cited as subject-matter expert
Michael Rogers
Wichita State’s Michael Rogers, director of the Center for Physical Activity and Aging, was used as a subject-matter expert this summer in “Consumer Reports on Health.” Rogers offered information to readers who desire to stay physically strong at home.
Save 30% during the Christmas in July Sale
Save big at the Shocker Store’s Christmas in July Sale! From July 13-18, take 30% off sweatshirts, sweatpants and cold weather accessories (gloves, scarves, hats, etc). Valid on regular-priced items. Sale is in RSC store and at shockerstore.com. RSC store hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Students can have their textbooks delivered to their dorm room
Incoming WSU residents can have their textbooks waiting in their room when they arrive on Move-In Day! Students can place textbook orders with the Shocker Store online between now and July 31, and have them delivered to their dorm room before they move in!