As we continue to navigate COVID-19 together, please know WSU is actively monitoring and assessing the situation and potential impacts to the WSU community. We urge you to track the latest developments on the WSU COVID-19 website.

First and foremost, the health and well-being of the WSU community remains our highest priority, and we will continue to act thoughtfully as we respond to COVID-19.

Human Resource Services (HRS) encourage all faculty and staff to be diligent in monitoring and preparing for all possible scenarios to ensure we have plans and resources in place at all university levels, defined principally by the expert guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health authorities.

One effective strategy for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 is greater social distancing. Social distancing can be accomplished by using technology (Zoom or teleconferencing) and may be an alternative to in-person meetings.

HRS encourages employees and managers to collaboratively plan for situations that may require working from an alternative location or from home. HRS is available to provide alternative work ideas and options.  

  • What work could be performed? 
  • What online training can be taken?
  • What have you always wanted to work on but never had the time?

Departments should discuss their Continuity of Operations Plans. Review your workplace processes including how to access voicemail, email and WSU’s online learning system remotely.

Review the HRS information on leave and work options to prepare for the possibility of impacts to you or a family member. Faculty and staff may be eligible to use accrued leaves or leave without pay, in accordance with WSU policy, if their child’s school or place of care is closed by order of a public official for a health-related reason.

HRS will offer online Leave and Work Options: COVID-19 informational sessions intended to provide resources for employees and managers regarding leave and alternate work options available during the current emerging novel coronavirus environment. 

For employees experiencing heightened anxiety, the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to help. EAP may be reached at 1-877-313-4455 or via the HRS EAP website.

WSU is committed to diversity and equity. WSU will not tolerate discriminatory remarks or behavior toward any member of our community. Should you experience or witness discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national or ethnic origin, please report concerns to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Investigation (CRCI).

Please continue to check your WSU email, monitor WSU COVID-19 and contact HRS if you have personnel related questions.

This is not a time to panic, it is our time to prepare. The WSU community is always at its best when we help and support each other. WSU is better together!

Sincerely,

Theresa Elliot-Cheslek
Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer
Washington State University