President releases process to review and approve remote work arrangements
Attention supervisors:
The sudden onset of COVID-19 forced the university to quickly move a large part of our workforce remote. Given the uncertainty that the pandemic currently presents, we must continue to encourage and/or require (if applicable) remote work for staff. This prioritization of the health and safety of workforce must be balanced with continued timely delivery of services to our students and greater university community. Each supervisor is currently empowered to determine the appropriate staffing model for their department as they deem appropriate and approved by their vice president.
Remote work arrangements raise unique administrative and legal issues. These issues include, but are not limited to, payroll taxes, unemployment and workers compensation benefits, work authorization restrictions, discrimination and retaliation laws, access to and security of University information technology systems, individual and University privacy and security, fulfillment of University grant and contractual obligations, and proper oversight. Accordingly, the University must proactively provide guidance on responsibilities, limitations, and expectations of employees who are working remotely. We must also identify all existing remote work situations and mitigate any administrative, legal, or compliance concerns.
All proposed remote work arrangements outside of the state of Kansas and/or those located in Kansas but intended to last more than thirty consecutive days must be reviewed by Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel prior to any offer of employment (for new employees) and/or granting permission to work remotely (for existing employees). These offices will review each proposed remote work situation and conduct a risk analysis. If necessary, approval may be required by the appropriate Vice President. NOTE: all arrangements for an employee to work outside the United States must be reviewed by the by Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel and approved by appropriate Vice President. Due to heightened security risks and complexity of labor and immigration laws, remote work outside of the United States will only be approved in extraordinary circumstances.
HR has published new guidance for remote work arrangements and established a dedicated web page Remote Work Arrangement Guidance to assist those who supervise staff who may currently be working remotely or who may wish to work remote in the future. The webpage contains remote work arrangement guidance as well as a remote work arrangement acknowledgement form to be utilized when appropriate.
NEXT STEPS FOR SUPERVISORS
Employees Currently Working Remotely In-State: Supervisors are required to ensure that ALL employees who have been working remotely at a location in Kansas for a period longer than 30 consecutive days complete a Remote Work Arrangement Acknowledgement. The completed acknowledgement is to be sent to the assigned HR business partner no later than January 29, 2021.
Employees Currently Working Remotely Out-of-State: Supervisors are required to ensure that ALL employees who have been working remotely at any location outside of Kansas, including internationally, complete a Remote Work Arrangement Acknowledgement. The completed acknowledgement is to be sent to the assigned HR business partner no later than January 29, 2021.
Employees Requesting or Needing Remote Work: Supervisors should follow the guidance posted on the HR website before authorizing remote work either (1) in Kansas for more than 30 consecutive days, or (2) outside of Kansas for any period of time.
USS and Non-Teaching UP employees: it’s self-evaluation time
Emails to USS and Non-Teaching UP employees will be sent as a reminder that annual myPerformance Employee Self-Evaluations are due from Jan. 16-31. This allows employees to provide input on job performance and accomplishments. Employees can access their self-evaluation through the myPerformance link found in myWSU. For more information (including quick reference guides and other assistance) go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance.
Strategic Communications position open to WSU employees only
Strategic Communications is looking for a Marketing and Advertising Manager. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, Jan. 20. To apply, go to Internal Postings and follow the directions there. For questions or assistance, contact the Talent Acquisition Team at 978-3065 or email employment@wichita.edu.
Join an ARC workshop today
Today’s sessions in the ARC are largely workshops, although there is also an OER panel discussion at noon that you don’t want to miss. If you would like to join a workshop, that’s great as none of them require registration.
- LinkedIn Learning Challenge: Mindfulness Practices. 2 hours and 3 minute class. (Must activate your https://www.wichita.edu/services/linkedin-learning/index.php first.) ARC Big Read Topic Session: Chapter 8.
- 9:00am-Noon: Creating Quality Video Workshop with John Hammer. Please sign up via MyTraining or email John Hammer directly so we can control the size of the workshop. Zoom link.
- 9:00am-Noon: I'm an Adjunct. HELP! Workshop with Carolyn Speer. No need to sign up, and GTAs and other interested instructors welcome. Zoom link.
- 9:00-Noon: Building and Deploying Tests in Blackboard Workshop with Taylor Moore. Zoom link.
- Noon-12:50pm: What Students Want Professors to Know Panel Discussion with Carolyn Shaw as moderator and student panelists including Mackenzie Gibson, Jaime Berkgren, Lucy Schneider, and Omarian brantley. Zoom link.
- 1:00pm-4:00pm: Course Building Workshop with Mary Morriss. Zoom link.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Using Microsoft Teams to Teach (Workshop) with Carolyn Speer and Ali Levine. Zoom link.
Wichita State MDL connects with capitol for COVID-19 testing
Wichita State University’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) is partnering with the Kansas capitol in Topeka to keep the state functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of early January, the MDL began processing thousands of tests per week for the people who work and visit the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka — including legislators, staff, the media, lobbyists or conferees.
Student Health will close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Student Health Services will be CLOSED Monday, Jan. 18. SHS will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. If you are in need of medical assistance over the 3-day weekend, visit wichita.edu/shs for information on clinics in the community.
Nominate an adult learner for Adult Learner of the Year Award
In March 2021, the Office of Adult Learning will host the 2nd Annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony. In this ceremony, we will not only celebrate six years as an office, but we will also name an ALOTY, two finalists, a community partner and a WSU partner. We are calling on the WSU community to help us find an adult learner at Wichita State deserving of the title, Adult Learner of the Year. The deadline to nominate an adult learner is Friday, Jan. 29.
A student is considered an adult learner at Wichita State if they are a current undergraduate earning their first bachelor’s degree and is either: 24 years or older; a military or veteran student; or independent status.
ALOTY criteria:
- 3.00 GPA at WSU (extenuating circumstances can be reviewed)
- Displays perseverance in obtaining a degree
- Demonstrates Shocker Pride
- Possesses leadership qualities
If you know of a student who meets the following criteria, please click here and submit their name.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with the Office of Diversity
and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration highlights and memorializes the work, accomplishments and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The virtual event will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20. This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Waters, founder and lead pastor of the Abundant Life AME Church in Dallas, Texas.
The ODI is excited to announce the 2021 Drum Major Award recipient Counseling and Prevention Services, Dr. Selena Jackson. She will be recognized at the virtual program.
Register for the 13th annual MLK program.
Learn more about all the upcoming MLK programs in Wichita
Pandemics panel discussion features Cheryl Golden, George Dehner and Charles Merrifield
The Global Learning Center of Wichita presents "Pandemic: Black Death, Spanish Flu, and Today," a panel discussion with Cheryl Golden, George Dehner and Charles Merrifield at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, via Zoom. Covid-19 is not the first global pandemic, nor will it be the last. Two examples of previous global pandemics were the bubonic plague of the 14th Century and the “Spanish” flu of 1918. Learn ho studies from these pandemics, as well as more recent ones, have yielded generalities that may be applied to the current health crisis.
Tuesday Talks with Student Health Services returns Jan. 19
Tuesday Talks is back. At 2 p.m. Jan. 19, Student Health's Nurse Heather, and Sandy Hill, APRN, will be on Facebook Live to discuss HPV prevention. Join us to learn about the HPV vaccine, preventative measures and more.
Submit virtual and in-person events to the WSU Events Calendar
As the semester approaches it is important to submit your upcoming events -- whether virtual or in-person -- to the WSU Events Calendar. The calendar populates feeds throughout the website, including a curated calendar on our Freedom of Expression website.
Newsweek approaches WSU's Usha Haley to discuss Trump's post-presidency businesses
As the house voted on impeachment in the one of the most horrific weeks in our nation's history, and corporations cut ties with President Trump's businesses, discussion began on his future. Newsweek approached Usha Haley, W. Frank Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business at Wichita State University, and Director of the Center for International Business Advancement at the Barton School, for a discussion on the issue.
Submit your holiday greetings requests to ITS telecommunications
Monday, Jan. 18, is a holiday, and most departments on campus will be closed. Now is the time to submit your request if your department needs a holiday greeting activated on your calling-tree or call distribution number.
Please submit the request at wichita.edu/services/telecom. Choose “Telephone Request” as the requested service, then choose “Programming” as the telephone service. Please ensure to include all details in the description.
Only requests received via this method will be processed. Please email telecomservices@wichita.edu or call x3535 if you have any questions or need any assistance.
Sign up to attend Research Workshop on NIH R15 Grants Program
WSU Office of Research Workshop: NIH R15: 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 27
Please join the Office of Research at a virtual webinar to hear from WSU researcher experts who will discuss the National Institutes of Health’s R15 funding mechanism and applying to NIH overall. The R15 is now known as a Research Enhancement Award. WSU is eligible to receive Research Enhancement Awards, which support small-scale research projects at institutions that have not received major NIH support.
NIH R15funding goals include: 1) supporting meritorious research, 2) exposing students to research and 3) strengthening the research environment of the institution. Dr. Moriah Beck, associate professor of chemistry, will discuss her experience in receiving an NIH R15 award at WSU, and her service as a reviewer on three NIH review panels. Dr. George Bousfield, Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences, will discuss his research success, having received large multi-year, and multi-project PO1 (Research Program Project Grant) grants from NIH. Email proposals@wichita.edu or register through MyTraining.
GRASP 2021 abstract submission closes Feb. 11
The Graduate School is now accepting abstract submissions for the 17th annual Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) Symposium. GRASP 2021 will be held on Blackboard again this year with video presentations open for WSU Community viewing starting on April 2. Please encourage your graduate students to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their research. Abstract submission closes on Feb. 11.
Take advantage of Bonus Discount Fridays at SSGL
Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards program can enjoy Bonus Discount Fridays in January. Each Friday, add 5% to your current rewards discount. Not a rewards member? Joining is free and easy, just ask us on your next visit!