May 11, 2021
Dear Cougar Family:
Throughout the pandemic, much of the WSU community shifted
to a remote work environment. While most were able to work from
home, let’s also acknowledge those employees who continued to
deliver essential services in person at our campuses and other
locations. On behalf of the University, we thank everyone for
their perseverance and commitment to WSU during these immensely
challenging times.
As the availability and distribution of the COVID‑19 vaccine
improves, we look forward to our phased reopening across the
state. We will prioritize those in‑person activities that best
enhance our ability to support our students, promote equity, and
meet our land‑grant mission.
Though some employees already have begun transitioning back to
WSU work locations, all WSU campuses, areas, and units will be
expected to start the phased reopening process no later than
July 12.
This does not mean that all faculty and staff will need to
return to on‑site work locations full time on July 12. There
still will be a need for some employees to continue working remotely
for all or part of their schedules. Doing so will ensure
compliance with current physical distancing guidelines and will meet
the guidelines established by some areas or units within their
respective plans.
Decisions about who is to work where (on‑site or remote) and
when (traditional, hybrid, or flexible schedule) will be made by
managers and supervisors, in conjunction with their leadership.
Supervisors and employees should review the Returning to a
WSU Work Location information and all employees are encouraged to
participate in the appropriate training to help prepare for the
transition to on‑site work. Please log in to your online learning
account to access those trainings.
Until all pandemic measures have been lifted by federal, state,
and local governments, we ask all supervisors to offer compassion
and flexibility when making these staffing decisions.
Though most employees will be expected to be available to return
to regular on‑site work starting July 12, exceptions will continue
to be made if they have entered into a telework agreement in
accordance with BPPM 60.34, or have obtained an approved
accommodation for a disability that limits their ability to work
on‑site.
As WSU prepares for a robust in‑person experience this fall,
the University encourages all faculty, staff, and volunteers to
get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety
of all. Decisions on the vaccination requirement for employees are
still being reviewed. We appreciate your patience as we wait for confirmation on how
this requirement will apply to employees. Subsequent guidance on
how to submit vaccination information, exemption requests, and the
appropriate secure maintenance of information will be communicated
before the fall semester. Employee COVID‑19 vaccination information
is available online.
Employee questions may be directed to hrs@wsu.edu or by calling
509‑335‑4521.
Thank you again for your resiliency and unwavering Cougar spirit.
Regards,
Kirk Schulz
President
Elizabeth Chilton
Provost and Executive Vice President
Theresa Elliot‑Cheslek
Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer
