Dear Shockers,
A team of hundreds of faculty, staff and students have been working diligently all summer to prepare for the fall semester. We’ve been working hard to find a balance between everyone’s health and safety while providing you with a comprehensive student experience.
We know there are a lot of questions as we look ahead to upcoming semesters. Please read on for answers to some of those questions. If you still have more questions, you can visit our COVID-19 update web page or email vpstudentsaffairs@wichita.edu.
- Preparation: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, your safety is our top priority. The university has taken many measures to promote social distancing, including in classrooms and gathering places like the Rhatigan Student Center. Surfaces are being disinfected daily. But it’s also up to each individual to take precautions such as consistent hand washing, staying home if they feel sick and wearing a face covering when on campus. As you are purchasing school supplies, don't forget to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant wipes. There will be a limited supply of free cloth face coverings at the Shocker Support Locker, Ablah Library, Rhatigan Student Center Information Desk, Shocker Hall front desk and The Suites front desk. You can also buy WSU face coverings at the Shocker Store.
- Out-of-state and international students: The COVID-19 landscape is constantly shifting. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment provides a list of states, regions and countries from which individuals are asked to self-isolate or quarantine for 14 days upon entry into Kansas. Students moving into on-campus housing have been communicated with directly by our Housing and Residence Life staff. For all other students who may need to quarantine and are not be able to move into off-campus apartments prior to Aug. 3, we have provided a list of nearby hotels willing to rent to our students at a very reduced rate. See Housing and Residence Life quarantine information here.
- International students: Many international students are concerned right now about their future as college students. The Office of International Education has been hard at work gathering information. Students with questions can first read the new FAQs for Returning Students and then email iss@wichita.edu with any follow-up questions. To see a statement of support by WSU President Jay Golden, click here.
- Course delivery fees: Student fees related to course delivery methods were frozen on June 26. Fees will not increase even if the delivery method is forced to change to fully online or hybrid online mid-semester because of the pandemic.
As we get deeper into the semester, it’s possible that our routines may change again. It’s important that we remain flexible and give each other grace as we all maneuver through these times. What’s important right now is to promote best practices in health and safety and have a positive outlook to get through this together.
Be sure to keep an eye on your student email for future updates.
Connecting every student,
Teri Hall
Vice President for Student Affairs
