July 27, 2021 Voiland College This Week

Go Cougs!

A new study led by Sasha McLarty found important lessons for understanding how to better monitor and manage groundwater and the key factors that impact community monitoring of common resources. The research is featured in a special issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

In a paper published in the JMIR Formative Research, a WSU research team that included Hassan Ghasemzadeh found that wearable wristbands measure physiological responses to stress in real-time and real-world situations, providing a potential method to help people avoid slipping back into old behaviors.

Bernie Van Wie was interviewed in the Spokesman Review about the WSU program that will train ROTC and DOD-skilled civilian workers in computer science and other majors in cyber basics, operations, or defense.

The mentored research of nearly 60 REU undergraduates from 36 universities will be featured at three virtual symposia on Friday, July 30, Aug. 3, and Aug. 6. Each event runs from 10:30 a.m.-noon each day. The public is invited to the no-cost presentations. Several VCEA-mentored students will be featured.


Opportunities

Canvas to Replace Blackboard Fall 2021

Information Technology Services, Academic Outreach and Innovation, and WSU Faculty Senate are pleased to announce that Canvas will be WSU’s sole Learning Management System beginning Fall 2021.

WSU’s Blackboard access will expire on Aug 21. In preparation for this, users who want to export Blackboard course data should contact migrationhelp@wsu.edu now to begin the migration before Blackboard becomes unavailable. Learn what other actions you need to make and what resources are available for this transition.


Be Safe Cougs

Transitioning into the New Work Life: Strategies for Responding to Change EAP Seminars

Over the past year plus, we’ve faced challenges we never could have imagined prior to March 2020. As our State continues to open up, you may find yourself experiencing uncertainty, stress, and a mixture of emotions.

In this live webinar we’ll:

  • reflect on the past year,
  • identify possible stress responses,
  • talk about the natural psychological process we move through in response to change,
  • offer strategies to help you manage your way in this new work life, and
  • provide information on resources and supports available to you.

Live webinars are on July 28, August 10, August 19. Register today.

Smoke Safety

WSU community members should take precautions to reduce exposure to unhealthy, smoky air. Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects.

Older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke. If you experience any signs of respiratory distress or other health concerns, contact your health care provider.

There are many steps you can take for limiting exposure to unhealthy, smoky air:

  • Avoid being outdoors. Use public transportation rather than walking or biking.
  • Stay inside as much as possible. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and using an air filter and air conditioning. Make sure your air conditioner’s fresh-air intake is closed and the filter is clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
  • Do not add to indoor pollution. Avoid using candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
  • Follow your health care provider’s guidance. If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and your respiratory management plan.

Information on the air quality in Pullman will be continually updated on WSU’s alert website.

For more safety tips, contact Environmental Health and Safety at ehs@wsu.edu.

Return to Campus

Visit Voiland College’s Faculty/Staff Web page to find the steps you need to take to return to work on campus.

COVID‑19 Vaccination Declaration – Instructions

All WSU employees must declare themselves fully vaccinated in order to forgo face masks and physical distancing while at a WSU location. Here’s how to find where in Workday you can complete your COVID-19 vaccination declaration.

VCEA Return to Work Location Distancing and Disinfection Plan for SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19

All Voiland College personnel shall adhere to the Voiland College Distancing and Disinfection Plan.

WSU COVID-19 Information

Visit WSU’s website to get the latest information and resources on WSU’s COVID-19 testing and response.

Caring for Self, Caring for Others – Resources

Self-care is more important than ever. Caring for others adds an additional layer of complexity, but self-care continues to remain paramount. Please use these resources to help you on your self-care journey.


Communications Resources

Here are some resources you can use to keep in touch with what’s happening around Voiland College and Washington State University.

IT Support

Need IT support? Contact the VCEA Helpdesk at support.vcea.wsu.edu, support.vcea@wsu.edu, or 509-335-6773.

Safety, Emergencies, and Outages

Power outages and campus closures are a few of the many events that can impact you.

Here are some tips to find out about significant events at WSU:

Use these resources to report emergencies and safety concerns:

  • Call 911 to notify WSU Police of emergencies.
  • Call 509-335-8548 for WSU Police non-emergency assistance or response.
  • Call 509-335-3041 to contact Environmental Health & Safety about non-emergency safety concerns.
  • Call 509-335-9000 to contact Facilities Services about facilities-related concerns.

News and Events

Here are some ways in which you can send and receive information on current Voiland College and WSU news and events:

Voiland College Social Media

Social media is a great way to keep in touch with what’s happening in and around WSU and Voiland College.

Here are a few of Voiland College’s social media channels that you may find useful:

  • Facebook is great for finding Voiland College news and activities as well as student club activities.
  • Instagram is great to see and share what’s happening around the college through photos and video.
  • Twitter is a convenient way to share information quickly, and find out what is happening in various industries Voiland College is involved with.
  • LinkedIn is a great way to keep in touch with your colleagues.
  • YouTube lets you Watch videos of events and activities around Voiland College and WSU.

WSU offers great tips and advice for using social media.

Send Us Your News

Include your kudos, opportunities, events, and more in the Voiland College This Week newsletter for employees.

DEADLINE: Submit items by 12 pm Thursday for inclusion in the following Tuesday newsletter.