Dear Colleagues,
Welcome back!
It’s a week before school begins and I already have the First Day of School Jitters. Can you believe it’s been nearly 18 months since we last taught classes in person?
This year, of course, things are different. I’m sure many of you share the same feelings of anticipation and anxiety that I’ve had since being back on campus in our new Post-Vaccine World: Do the vaccines and masks really work? Can we successfully return to teaching in person?
The answer to these questions is ‘Yes.’
Yes, vaccines and masks really work – the data and the science undeniably support this.
Yes, after teaching 2+ semesters remotely, it will be a little weird being back in the classroom and in the office again, but yes, we can do this!
If you’re like me, the transition from home to the office has taken a little getting used to. But it has been WONDERFUL seeing everyone in person again. Sharing stories, working together, and feeling that strong sense of community with my colleagues has made this transition feel special. I missed you. Like you, I am excited to see all the young, bright, and inquisitive students return next week and start their life’s journeys in our hallways, classrooms, and offices.
I know you may have A LOT of questions about how we’ll operate in this post-vaccination environment. Here, I’ll update you on what I know, but I realize that I may not have answers to all of your questions. If we’ve learned anything in the past 18 months, it is that we’re having a very hard time predicting what will come next. Know that Governor Inslee, President Schulz, Provost Chilton, and many, many others are focused on ensuring the best possible learning and teaching environment while maintaining safety for all.
Timing of Information Sharing
In the past week, you’ve seen a number of messages relating to WSU’s plans for the fall term. Some have asked why WSU waited so long to share this information. A major factor in that timing has been the availability of state decisions relating to Institutes of Higher Education (IHE). WSU is the only IHE in Washington on the semester system. So, as the state has delayed decisions to ensure that the most up-to-date information was available, it hasn’t impacted the quarter-system schools much as they start classes in late September. For us, with our mid-August start date, it can all feel a little last minute. Sorry about that, it’s just one of the many impacts of being the minority program in this system.
Teaching Expectations
You’ve seen evolution and refinement of policies here too. These are being guided by requirements placed on us by the US Department of Education (as we must follow their guidelines to ensure access to federal funding for our students) and our accreditation body, the NWCCU. Voiland College is planning for the vast majority of student experiences to be delivered in a face-to-face format. This structure is preferred by most students and, we hypothesize, this modality will increase student engagement and retention. If you have pedagogical reasons for considering a format that is offered with some online classes supplementing the face-to-face engagement, please reach out to Associate Dean Sivakumar to discuss.
Vaccination Attestation Statistics
With approximately 70 percent of Voiland College employees reporting so far, more than 95 percent of those who have completed their attestation have affirmed that they are fully vaccinated.
August 23rd is the deadline for employees to complete the attestation that indicates that they are fully vaccinated or that they wish to be exempted from this requirement. Those individuals who are not fully vaccinated MUST continue to wear masks.
With approximately 50 percent of WSU undergraduate students reporting so far, more than 94 percent have documented that they are fully vaccinated.
September 10th is the deadline for students to complete the attestation that indicates that they are fully vaccinated or that they wish to be exempted from this requirement. Those individuals who are not fully vaccinated MUST continue to wear masks.
Additionally, when full FDA approval is provided for the vaccines, the personal exemption for students will be eliminated.
Mask Usage
There has been much conversation locally and nationally about the prudence of wearing masks. As the situation evolves, our Governor and university leadership are evaluating the most appropriate actions for ensuring the health and welfare of all. Vaccinations are highly effective. Yet, not all members of our broader community are eligible for vaccinations at this time. Many of our colleagues share households with children under 12 or someone with a compromised immune system. These folks may be understandably concerned about family members. So, you’re likely to see individuals who are fully vaccinated wearing masks. We may also see changes to the State of Washington and/or WSU mask policies. Whatever happens, I thank you for your compliance with the mandates and your understanding and support for others in masking even if it is not required.
VCEA COVID Coordinator
Dar Neunherz is the college’s representative on university-level COVID information and policy sharing committees. Please join me in thanking her for her service in this role. If you have questions or concerns, please let Dar know.
Other Issues
I encourage you to attend the university-level “Returning to WSU: Fall Semester Town Hall” that is scheduled for August 18 at 1 p.m. Details concerning the return of in-person instruction will be a key component of the town hall, as will fielding questions from members of the WSU community. Questions can be submitted ahead of time using an online form.
Resuming on-campus work will continue to be an adjustment. We will follow our Return to Work Location Distancing and Disinfection Plan that is guided by the Center for Disease Control, Washington State Governor’s Office, Whitman County Department of Health, and approved by Washington State University. If you haven’t already, please review and follow VCEA’s Return to Campus Guidelines. These policies will evolve as necessary to ensure a safer environment for our students and employees. I understand your frustrations but appreciate your patience as we adapt to the situations around us.
Most importantly, please be mindful of your own health and those around you, and do not hesitate to utilize the many HRS resources that are available. Always remember, you are not alone– Cougs help Cougs.
Be Safe and Go Cougs!
Mary Rezac
Dean, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Washington State University
Email: mary.rezac@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-5593