Category: COVID-19 Updates

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID-19 Operations group would like to highlight some frequently asked questions related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn Shaw and will be addressed by the operations group.

FAQs Set #3: Questions about the Classroom and Campus

• Are we ending in-person instruction before Thanksgiving break?
  • We are planning for a normal end-of-semester with regard to in-person instruction. The last day of instruction is Dec. 2 with finals Dec. 4-9.

• Can instructors choose to end in-person instruction before Thanksgiving even though we have moved back to the standard academic calendar?
  • Instructors can choose their course design to meet their instructional needs. It is important to communicate these choices to students so they can make their own plans accordingly.

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.

This is a private, secure way to share personal health information with Student Health.

• Log in from the SHS website at www.wichita.edu/shs  and click the myShockerHealth portal link.
• Sign into the myShockerHealth portal with your WSU ID and password,
• Once you are in the portal, upload your COVID-19 vaccination card under “Immunizations” in the left menu. Students with questions can ask them via the myShockerHealth portal.

To qualify for the prize drawing, please provide your COVID-19 vaccination information. Providing this information is voluntary, but it is required to enter the drawing.

Only one entry per person; duplicate entries will be discarded. The following prizes will be featured:

• Apple iPad 7th Generation
• iPad keyboard case
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Airpods Pro
• Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker
• 40 count K-Cups
• Acer Swift Laptop 3 Thin and Light Laptop
• Samsung Galaxy Tablet S6
• Samsung Galaxy Tablet Cover
• Corsori Smart Wi-Fi Air Fryer

WSU employees and students can schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment in Student Health through the myShockerHealth portal.

To schedule a test, click the myShockerHealth portal button, log in with your Shocker ID and select “Appointments” from the menu.

Here are five tips from Student Health Services to make your COVID-19 vaccine experience fast and efficient: 

1. Appointments are required. Schedule at myWSU webpage under the “Home” tab.
2. Always bring your Dispense Assist form. For both the first and second vaccines. Complete, print and sign this form to bring with you.
3. Bring your COVID-19 vaccine card. For your second appointment, bring this card to be completed.
4. Be on time for your appointment! Vaccines are time-sensitive. If you’re late, your vaccine may be given to someone else.
5. Be prepared to wait 15-30 minutes after your vaccine. This is for both first and second vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to all students, faculty and staff at Wichita State. Vaccinations are also available for immediate family members (ages 18 and older) of Wichita State and WSU Tech students, faculty and staff.

As we transition over the summer toward a return to in-person operations at Wichita State, we continue to update the campus on COVID best practices.

Reminders for ways to keep yourself and those around you safest include:

• Get a COVID vaccine.
• Masks for those who are unvaccinated are appreciated.
• Continue your wellness checks.
• Get a COVID test if you’re experiencing symptoms.
• Practice good hand hygiene.

Additional updates and reminders: 

• Printable outdoor COVID signs have been updated and are available on the online signage toolkit for office and building use. Go to 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.
• Student Health Services and the RSC Information Desk will soon have “I’m vaccinated” buttons available for anyone who would like to wear them. They are not required, nor is proof of vaccination.
• Do not ask a student, direct report, other staff/faculty member, or a campus guest whether they are vaccinated.

As always, the entire campus community’s understanding and flexibility has been – and continues to be – greatly appreciated.

Residents in south-central Kansas (including Sedgwick County) can complete a voluntary, anonymous survey about the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine survey takes five to 10 minutes to complete.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and fall, the COVID Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction.  Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.

As we make plans to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and fall, here are some select FAQs addressing questions we are hearing from students.

• What are important dates for Fall 2021?  Where there be a fall break?
  • Full-semester classes begin on Aug. 16. The last day of the fall semester will be Dec. 2, with finals proceeding as originally scheduled from Dec. 4-9. The commencement date and details will be announced at a later time.
  • Fall break is scheduled for Oct. 9-12.

• Where do I go to get help with my COVID-19 related anxiety?  
  • The emotional, financial and social disruptions caused by COVID-19 uncertainty are creating serious challenges for many of our students. Students with pre-existing and new conditions will require extra support. It is important that instructors refer students who might need assistance to the WSU Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) website to learn options for addressing mental health and wellness during COVID-19.

 Additional FAQs about summer and fall can be found on wichita.edu/covidstudents.

As we make plans to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and fall, here are some select FAQs addressing questions we are hearing from students.

• What will classes look like for summer and fall?
  • Regular classroom capacities will be resumed with no more distancing limitations in the classroom. Instructors may choose, however, to divide their classes as they have previously in order to have fewer students in a classroom at a time to maintain distancing. Our hybrid class codes will allow for flexibility in these course designs.

• What happens if I get sick and cannot attend in-person class sessions? Are my instructors required to provide online-only content for me?
  • Instructors should be responsive to students who are sick, just as they were before the emergence of COVID-19, by helping students make up work and stay on track in class.

• What should I do about my classes if I am in isolation or quarantine?
  • It is recommended that you reach out to all of your instructors, informing them that you may need additional time to complete work and/or miss any in- person classes due to being in quarantine or isolation.

 Additional FAQs about summer and fall can be found on wichita.edu/covidstudents

As we make plans to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and fall, here are some select FAQs addressing questions we are hearing from students.

• Where do I go to get help with my COVID-19 related anxiety?  
  • The emotional, financial and social disruptions caused by COVID-19 uncertainty are creating serious challenges for many of our students. Students with pre-existing and new conditions will require extra support. It is important that instructors refer students who might need assistance to the WSU Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) website to learn options for addressing mental health and wellness during COVID-19.

• Is there support for remote learning for my hybrid and online courses?
  • Wichita State University has developed a Remote Student Support website to help with remote learning
  • Academic Advisors are great resources, as are Success Coaches. Either can help answer questions you have about your studies.

 Additional FAQs about summer and fall can be found on wichita.edu/covidstudents