Dear Campus Community,
Fall Semester begins Monday and I couldn’t be happier to see some of our students, faculty and staff members back on campus. Many people have worked diligently over the summer to provide an exceptional educational experience for all of our students, no matter how their courses are delivered. I think you will agree that the facilities and grounds look fantastic and we are looking forward to a safe, albeit limited return to campus.
First, I want to make sure you are aware of our health and safety protocols. I ask you to follow these protocols:
- Perform a daily self-assessment, including checking your temperature, and stay home if you are sick.
- Wear a face covering.
- Maintain physical distance (at least six feet), indoors and out, whenever practical.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
- Follow posted guidelines in buildings and dining areas on campus.
- Disinfect high-touch areas.
Note that rooms for in-person classes will be equipped with cleaning supplies before Monday.
Here are a few more updates about Fall Semester:
Face coverings
Each student and employee will receive a black face covering with the Wright State logo. Some students received them at Orientation or move-in. All other students will receive them by mail. Employees will receive one from their supervisor or business manager.
If you forget to bring a face covering, they will be available during the first week of school outside the main entrance to the Student Union, Dunbar Library, and the red Turning Points sculpture by University Hall.
Parking
Students may park in any non-reserved staff, faculty, or student spot on campus, and will be expected to display a valid Fall Semester 2020 parking permit when they park on campus.
Libraries
I am happy to report that the Dunbar Library on the Dayton Campus will open Monday, August 24, with slightly reduced hours and safety protocols in place for physical distancing. The Lake Campus Library and Technology Center will be open and staffed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in addition to remote assistance that is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Student Study Spaces
Study spaces are available in the Student Success Center Monday through Friday for students who have an in-person and remote class back to back, have Internet connectivity issues, or have difficulty finding a quiet study space at home. Several computer labs will also be available. See the rooms and hours.
Dining on Campus
Dining operations will operate as normally, but with an added level of safety and security. You will still be able to visit campus dining locations, order a hot meal, and sit down and enjoy. Although Hospitality Services is doing everything they can to ensure dining safely, you are encouraged to take your meals to go. Students can also use the GrubHub app. For locations and hours, please visit the Hospitality Services website.
Intercultural centers
The Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center; Office of LGBTQA Affairs; Latinx, Asian, and Native American Affairs; and Women’s Center are offering services remotely but will open in the near future for in-person services. More information will be forthcoming at wright.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/culture-and-identity-centers.
Dayton Campus Shuttles and Paratransit Service
Raider Ride will be available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, however, there are changes to the locations and the way this service is offered. Paratransit Service will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Learn more.
Faculty Updates
A document has been developed to help faculty members think about important topics they may choose to include on their syllabus. Download the document. There is also a Faculty Guide to Confronting Violations of COVID-19 Guidelines in the Classroom. If you have not yet done so, please reach out to your incoming students with a welcome message that can help guide them through the transition process to their fall classes.
Employees Return to Campus
We continue our planning to bring more employees back to work on Wright State’s Dayton and Lake Campuses in a phased approach. Numerous unit plans have been approved or are in the approval process, so supervisors will ask some employees to return to work. Please remember that employees must complete the Return to Campus Awareness and Acknowledgment before returning to campus. Read the Return to Work Guide for Employees.
Counseling and Wellness
On the Dayton Campus, Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) is providing therapy, assessment, and life coaching services to Wright State students. You can reach CWS by calling 937-775-3407. More information can be obtained by visiting wright.edu/cws.
On the Lake Campus, counseling services may be obtained by emailing Kim Altstaetter at kim.altstaetter@wright.edu.
All students have access to the Raider Cares line, a 24-hour crisis phone service, at 833-848-1765 [TTY: 314-485-4345].
I want to remind you that our Coronavirus Response website is updated daily with new information. Check it often. Although campus is gradually opening up to more events, we are asking that faculty, staff, and students who do not need to be on campus to please limit your time here, as we work together to provide a safe environment for all members of the Wright State family.
It is up to all of us to do our part to keep our community healthy and safe. Have a great semester!
Please stay safe.
Douglas W. Leaman, Ph.D.
Interim Provost
