Dear Campus Community,
Welcome to Fall Semester! It is wonderful to see some of our students, faculty, and staff back on campus again. We are offering a mix of in-person and remote courses on our Dayton and Lake Campuses, thanks to the planning and hard work by many people all over our campuses. Thank you all for your care and concern for our students and each other.
This week Montgomery County was elevated to a “level three” or “red” alert level for very high exposure and spread of COVID-19. Our Dayton Campus is in Greene County, which is still a “level two,” but we have many students and employees who live and work in Montgomery County. Our Lake Campus is located in Mercer County, which is also a “level three” or “red alert.” This is a reminder that we all must continue to be vigilant—on and off campus—to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Please continue to follow our health and safety protocols:
- Perform a daily self-assessment, including checking your temperature, and stay home if you are sick.
- Wear a face covering.
- Maintain physical distance indoors and out whenever practical and sit at spots indicated by the green paw (or other indicator) and at least six feet apart when working in groups.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
- Follow posted guidelines in buildings and dining areas on campus.
- Disinfect high-touch areas.
Face Coverings
I want to especially remind you to wear your face covering in the Library, Student Union, Student Success Center, Creative Arts Center, and other common areas unless you are actively eating or drinking at that moment. We have had excellent compliance with our face covering requirements in classrooms but continue to see room for improvement in the above spaces.
A face covering with the Wright State logo will be mailed to each student who did not receive one at Orientation or through housing. Employees will receive one from their business manager. Face coverings with the Wright State logo will also be for sale in vending machines by the end of the day today.
Support Services for Students and Employees
I want to echo President Sue Edwards’ words earlier today that it is our responsibility to stand together as a community against all forms of racial violence and intolerance. In the aftermath of the events in Kenosha, I also want to share resources that can provide you with support, compassion, and understanding.
Wright State students can seek confidential support services through Counseling and Wellness Services by calling 937-775-3407. You can call Raider Cares, a 24-hour crisis phone service, at 833-848-1765 (TTY: 314-485-4345). You also have access to a Crisis Text Line that offers 24-hour, seven-day per week text contact with trained crisis counselors, by texting "LISTEN" to 741-741.
Wright State’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides support services for all employees, regardless of benefit eligibility. EAP services are provided at no cost to employees and include 24/7 telephone access to licensed and experienced counselors, as well as work/life balance services. Call 800-227-6007 or visit the Impact Solutions website at myimpactsolution.com. Use member username: wsufsap.
Student Support Services Chat
Wednesday, September 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
This virtual event provides Wright State parents, students, and other family members the opportunity to hear and ask questions about Wright State’s student support services. Representatives from housing, campus recreation, academic support, career services, counseling and wellness, along with first-year programs will be available in this online experience.
Culture and Identity Centers' Virtual Fall Open House
Tuesday, September 1, 1 to 2 p.m.
Come and engage with the staff of the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center, the Office of Latinx, Asian, and Native American Affairs, Office of LGBTQA Affairs, and Women's Center. Learn about the programs and services that the centers offer and how you can become involved. Join on Webex or participate by phone by dialing 1-415-655-0003, access code: 478 945 093.
The centers will soon begin to have some staff in their offices, in addition to their remote services.
LANA Talk Tuesdays
Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m.
Mia Honaker, associate director of the Office of Latinx, Asian, and Native American Affairs, has a weekly chat to answer questions and provide updates. Join on Webex or by phone, 1-415-655-0003, access code: 478 945 093.
Black Welcome Week
August 31 to September 3
This is an opportunity for students to have fun and take part in programs with different Black organizations at Wright State. Learn more.
Raider Weeks
Continues through September 5
Students can join their fellow Raiders during the first two weeks of Fall Semester for a variety of events designed to jump-start their Wright State experience. Learn more.
Fitness Center Opens September 8
Campus Recreation plans to open the fitness center and begin recreation programming on Tuesday, September 8. Information regarding processes and protocols will be available on the Campus Recreation website by Monday, August 31. We also have tentative plans to open the swimming pool on Monday, September 14.
New Disc Golf Course
I know that students are looking for safe, socially distanced activities on campus. A temporary disc golf course (Rowdy Acres) has been installed across the intramural fields along Colonel Glenn Highway. The course begins at the east end of parking lot 1 in front of the Student Union. Discs will be available for checkout at the Recreation Desk (092 Student Union) during regular business hours beginning Monday, August 31.
Employees Return to Campus
We are bringing more employees back to campus beginning September 2 as we continue our phased approach. Supervisors will inform employees when they are able to return to work. Please remember that employees must complete the Return to Campus Awareness and Acknowledgment form before returning to campus. Read the Return to Work Guide for Employees.
I want to remind you that our Coronavirus Response website is updated daily with new information. Please check it out. An important addition to the site today is the inclusion of the Student Advocacy and Wellness phone number (937-260-0167) that students or parents can call or text with COVID-19-related questions.
Once again, we are asking faculty, staff, and students who do not need to be on our campuses to please limit your time here, in order to provide a safe environment for all members of the Wright State family. Together, we can make a difference.
Please stay safe.
Douglas W. Leaman, Ph.D.
Interim Provost
