Employee FAQs

1. Will the use of face masks be mandatory for faculty, staff, and students?

Yes, anyone on campus in public spaces will be required to wear a mask.

2. When will WCU begin re-entry to campus for employees?

A specific date has not been determined for employees to return to campus. When permissible, employees working remotely will be able to return to their campus offices. This return to campus will be scheduled and staged.

3. Will offices be expected to be fully staffed?

Just as we are working to provide for social distancing in our classrooms, we are working to decrease the number of staff members in offices on any given day. Using a rotation schedule, we will ensure that we are providing in-person service, while providing for social distancing for our employees. Many offices may not be fully staffed in person on campus, with a portion of the office continuing to work remotely on a rotating basis to aid in social distancing. 

4. How will social distancing be practiced in each office/department?

  • Unit leads will be asked to determine how individual office space will be managed in an effort to actively practice social distancing and maintain the health/safety of all.
  • Elevator access will be limited to two persons per car.
  • All faculty office hours and student advising will be conducted remotely (i.e. Zoom meetings).
  • All non-instructional meetings among faculty, staff, and students will be conducted remotely (i.e. Zoom meetings).

5. How will fall classes be affected by these changes?

 
  • Based on Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) guidelines, we are finalizing the process of working toward a hybrid on-campus fall semester. This modified model will mean that all regularly scheduled classes will have in-person and remote components.
  • The in-person component will have less crowded classrooms, which will be simulcast for students whose health does not allow in-person attendance. In addition, protective measures are being put in place in classrooms that create appropriate distancing not only between students and faculty members, but between students themselves.
  • In the event that a faculty member cannot provide in-person instruction or if the semester is disrupted by the pandemic, students will still be able to complete their courses via Zoom or another remote application, similar to the transition that occurred in the spring.

6. Will the fall academic calendar be adjusted?

 
  • Fall Break will move from October 12-13 to November 23-24, in order to minimize travel from and returning to the University campus. This will also support the transition to fully remote learning for the remainder of the fall semester.
  • All in-person instruction (including final exams) will transition to remote learning on Monday, November 30. This will help us to minimize COVID-19 exposure risks from travel and proactively prepare for a possible resurgence.

7.  What are the work expectations and guidelines?

All WCU employees are expected to comply with the protocols and guidelines distributed on April 22 by the University’s Department of Human Resources. The required protocols and guidelines are in accordance with the April 19, 2020 order from the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health. 

Memo to Faculty and Staff - William J Helzlsouer

8. What about testing?

We are working on partnerships with community resources and developing protocols that will direct students and staff to appropriate health care and testing options as needed. We will monitor and update these protocols as guidance evolves 

9. What is the protocol for cleaning in offices spaces?

To facilitate increased focus on common area disinfection operations, Custodial Services will provide sanitizer and wipes in a common area of the office suites to help you maintain your personal space.

10. What if we don't feel like our spaces are being cleaned appropriately?

 Custodial Services will develop a process for service-upon-request (e.g. vacuum carpet) tasks within offices.

11. What priorities will the Custodial Staff have for cleanliness and disinfecting common spaces?

Priorities for Custodial Services staff will be as follows:

  • Addressing issues of safety hazards within buildings
  • Cleaning and disinfecting Common area high touch points (e.g. door handles, elevators)
  • Cleaning and disinfecting restrooms
  • Cleaning and disinfecting classrooms
  • Cleaning and disinfecting entrances and elevators
  • Cleaning disinfecting hallways and stairwells
  • Cleaning disinfecting laboratories and conference areas
 

 

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