Category: COVID-19 Updates

For this week’s episode of Tuesday Talks, watch as Nurse Heather, Student Health Services associate director;  Camille Childers, SHS director; Dr. James Keller, SHS medical director; and Kaylee Hervey, Sedgwick County program manager, discuss the myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccination.

As we finish off the second week of the fall semester, we want to remind the campus community that masks are required in all indoor classrooms and labs. Masks must be worn properly, covering the mouth and nose. Masks continue to be strongly recommended in other indoor public settings, as well.

If you see something that gives you cause for concern, visit the link below. Working together, we can do our part to move past this pandemic.

Wichita State University is aware of the memorandum issued today by Gov. Laura Kelly that all state employees under her authority who can work remotely must begin to do so, effective Friday, Sept. 3.

This memorandum does not apply to Wichita State employees. Those who normally work on campus should continue to report to campus as scheduled. 

It’s important to note that the number of positive COVID cases in Sedgwick County is currently on the decline. To continue that trend, we encourage everyone on our campus to get vaccinated if they are able, either through Student Health or anywhere else the vaccine is offered. These vaccines continue to be our best weapon against COVID-19 and will play a critical role in our ability to keep our classrooms and campus open.

Wichita State University is expanding two programs to incentivize students to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Participation in both incentive programs is completely voluntary.

• Prize incentives: Join your fellow Shocker students and fight the spread of COVID-19. WSU students can visit myShockerHealth portal to submit verification of COVID-19 vaccinations. Once you have submitted your vaccination verification, your name will be entered in a daily prize drawing from Aug. 27 to Sept. 3. Prizes include an iPad, an Apple Watch, airpods, a Keurig coffeemaker, a laptop, and an air fryer. The deadline to submit records for this incentive program is Friday, Aug. 27.
  
• Financial incentives: The newest vaccine incentive program includes a $250 award for fall 2021 for current students who can show proof of vaccination. Participating students may also be eligible to receive one of 20 scholarships worth $5,000 each for the spring 2022 semester, which will be awarded through a random drawing. Students with questions after reading the link abovecan ask them via the myShockerHealth portal. The deadline to submit records for this incentive program is Friday, Oct. 8.

If you have already received your COVID-19 vaccine through Student Health OR have already submitted your vaccination records to Student Health, you do not need to submit them again. You can check the myShockerHealth portal under “Immunizations” to verify if your COVID-19 vaccinations are on file.

Students with questions can ask them via the myShockerHealth portal.

Vaccinations continue to be the best weapon against COVID-19 as we work together to move past this pandemic. We encourage anyone who can to get vaccinated from Student Health or anywhere else where it’s offered.

As a reminder, masks are required in all indoor classrooms and labs at Wichita State and are strongly recommended indoors elsewhere.

“Throughout my medical career as a physician assistant, I’ve never seen a vaccine like the ones we have for COVID-19, which are extremely effective in preventing serious illness or death,” says WSU President Dr. Rick Muma. “By encouraging our students and the rest of our campus community to get vaccinated, it gives us the best odds at keeping our classrooms and campus open — and eventually ending this pandemic.”

Wichita State University is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine incentive program to include a $250 award for fall 2021 for current students who can show proof of vaccination. Participating students may also be eligible to receive one of 20 scholarships worth $5,000 each for the spring 2022 semester, which will be awarded through a random drawing.  

• Who is eligible? All degree-bound students enrolled for fall 2021 who provide proof of being fully vaccinated through WSU Student Health Services or any other location. Students must submit documentation of both shots of either Pfizer or Moderna, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  
• How to provide proof: Students may submit proof of vaccination through the myShockerHealth portal. If you have not yet submitted proof, please log in to the portal to do so. Instructions on how to upload documents are at wichita.edu/uploadhealthdocs. If you have already received your COVID-19 vaccine through Student Health OR have already submitted your vaccination records to Student Health, you do not need to submit them again. You can check the myShockerHealth portal under “Immunizations” to verify if your COVID-19 vaccinations are on file.  Students with questions can ask them via the myShockerHealth portal.
• Deadline: Proof of full vaccination (either one dose of Johnson & Johnson or both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna) must be provided by Oct. 8. Please note: To meet that deadline, students who have not started the COVID-19 vaccine series will need to receive their first dose of Pfizer by Sept. 17, or the first dose of Moderna by Sept. 10, to allow enough time to receive the second doses and submit records before Oct. 8.  
• How the awards work: The $250 award will be applied to the student’s account and will be refunded per the student’s refund profile in mid-October. The $250 will not be applied to account balances. The $5,000 scholarships (non-refundable) will be drawn, awarded and applied to spring 2022 tuition and fees, up to an amount of $5,000. Winning students will be notified via email or phone call.
• How to get vaccinated: Free vaccines are available through Student Health Services for all students. You can also schedule vaccine appointments at any one of Sedgwick County’s vaccine locations or other local vaccine providers, found at www.vaccinefinder.org.  

Vaccinations continue to be the best weapon against COVID-19 as we work together to move past this pandemic. We encourage anyone who can to get vaccinated from Student Health or anywhere else where it’s offered. 

As a reminder, masks are required in all indoor classrooms and labs at Wichita State and are strongly recommended indoors elsewhere. 

“Throughout my medical career as a physician assistant, I’ve never seen a vaccine like the ones we have for COVID-19, which are extremely effective in preventing serious illness or death,” says WSU President Dr. Rick Muma. “By encouraging our students and the rest of our campus community to get vaccinated, it gives us the best odds at keeping our classrooms and campus open — and eventually ending this pandemic.” 

Supervisors: Strategic Communications has an updated signage toolkit for office and building use. Visit wsu.news/signage to download and print a variety of signs related to COVID operations and safety. Please remember that all signs should be hung up with painter’s tape only.

Is there a sign you think is needed in the toolkit? Let us know by emailing annelise.muret@wichita.edu.

If you need assistance printing these signs, including outdoor signage needs, please reach out to shockerprinting@wichita.edu. (Additional fees may apply).

The fall semester has begun, and we’re excited about your return to campus!

Because COVID-19 continues to require flexibility in our daily lives, we will continue throughout this time to keep you updated on what you need to know for a successful school year. 

We have updated our student guide with new information about classes, health and safety, campus events, and more.

The fall semester has begun, and we’re excited for the semester!

Because COVID-19 continues to require flexibility in our daily lives, we will continue throughout this time to keep you updated on what you need to know for a successful school year. 

We have updated our employee guide with new guidance regarding health and safety, testing and vaccination information, staffing details and more. 

For this week’s episode of Tuesday Talks, watch as Nurse Heather Stafford, Student Health Services associate director; Camille Childers, SHS director; Dr. James Keller, SHS medical director, and Kaylee Hervey, Sedgwick County program manager, as they discuss the myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccination.

As students return to campus, WSU Facilities Services is still available to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) to the campus community. 

Customers can access the Facilities Services work order system to make their requests. Customers should also continue bringing their empty hand sanitizer and surface disinfectant bottles in for refills.

For more information or order PPE, contact our work order center at 316-978-3444.