COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation | CDC

On August 11, 2022, CDC eliminated the recommendation for COVID-19 related quarantine altogether. Your vaccine/booster status, past infection status, household member or close contact status do not require quarantine. It is still recommended that if you are exposed to COVID-19, you monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of illness for 10 days following the exposure. If you begin to experience symptoms of illness, isolate away from others and get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.  

If you are ill with COVID-19, please isolate away from others and refrain from attending in-person classes, work, or other activities for at least 5 days following the onset of your symptoms of illness. If you must leave your isolation space, wear a well-fitting facemask (N95 or KN95 if possible), and strictly limit your time outside of your isolation space and close contact with others. It is the responsibility of the person who is ill to notify their faculty, supervisor, and close contacts they are ill with COVID-19. Employees who test positive should contact HR at benefits@washburn.edu. 

Isolation for illness may end after you have completed at least 5 days following the onset of your symptoms, your symptoms of illness have significantly improved, and you have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. COVID-19 positive persons should continue to wear a well-fitting facemask when around others through day 10 following onset of their symptoms of illness. If you would like to re-test with a rapid antigen test for COVID-19 to end the need to wear a facemask through day 10, you may test on day 6 and day 8. If both of these rapid antigen tests are negative, you do not have to wear a facemask around others through day 10. Rapid antigen nasal swab tests are available for students, faculty, and staff at no cost. Please contact Student Health Services at 785.670.1470 or email studenthealth@washburn.edu to schedule an appointment for testing. 

If you are ill with symptoms of COVID-19, and have not been tested for COVID-19, please isolate away from others and get tested as soon as possible. Student Health Services has COVID-19 nasal swab rapid antigen tests available to students, faculty, and staff at no cost. To schedule a test for COVID-19, please contact Student Health Services at 785.670.1470 or email studenthealth@washburn.edu. If your COVID-19 test is negative, please continue to isolate away from others while you are ill. You may return after you experience significant improvement in your symptoms of illness and you have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.

Information regarding the campus procedures and regulations regarding the prevention, mitigation and/or management of communicable diseases, like COVID-19, can be found in the WUPRPM, Regulations and Procedures, X. Risk Management and Safety, 20. Communicable Disease. Per the WUPRPM, a medical certificate may be required for any sick leave period. A fitness-for-duty certification may be required by the University prior to return to work. 

Student Health Services continues to offer bivalent booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments for vaccine/booster doses may be scheduled on Wednesdays. To schedule, contact Student Health Services at 785.670.1470 or email studenthealth@washburn.edu. 
 
For more information, please go to the following links: 

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | CDC 

Summary of Guidance for Minimizing the Impact of Covid-19

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters | CDC

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines if you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by the CDC.

Stay up to date by getting recommended boosters when you are eligible.

The Shawnee County Health Department issued new guidance about isolation and quarantine for the general public. We will update this information as needed.

Isolation guidance for cases

Mild to Moderate Cases - Requiring little to no hospitalization

• Able to wear a well-fitting mask
  • Isolate at home for a minimum of 5 days after onset of symptoms, or sample collection if asymptomatic, and can be released after fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours and improvement in other symptoms, whichever is longer.
  • Must wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional 5 days after release from isolation (day 6-10).
• Not able to wear a well-fitting mask
  • Isolate at home for a minimum of 10 days after onset of symptoms, or sample collection if asymptomatic, and can be released after fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours and improvement in other symptoms, whichever is longer.
• Notes
  • Lingering cough or loss of taste or smell should not prevent a case from being released from isolation.
  • If an individual tests after 5 days of home isolation, an antigen test is preferred. If the test result is positive, isolate at home for a full 10 days.
  • If a follow-up PCR test or antigen test is positive after 10 days of home isolation, cases do not need to re-enter isolation as long as they have completed the 10-day isolation and had symptom improvement for a minimum of 24 hours.

Download the Isolation Guidance for mild to moderate cases

Severe cases - Requiring ICU care or are severely immunocompromised

• Isolate at home for 10-20 days after onset of symptoms and can be released after fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours and improvement in other symptoms, whichever is longer. Consult a physician before ending isolation.
• Notes
  • Lingering cough or loss of taste or smell should not prevent a case from being released from isolation.
  • If a follow-up PCR test or antigen test is positive after the 10-20 days of home isolation, cases do not need to re-enter isolation as long as they have completed the 10-day isolation and had symptom improvement for a minimum of 24 hours.

Download the Isolation Guidance for severe cases

Student Health Services is offering the bivalent booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by appointment. Please call 785.670.1470 for a vaccine appointment.

The contact number for Student Health Services is 785.670.1470, and the email is studenthealth@washburn.edu.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the coronavirus include:

• fever or chills
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea

Consider getting tested if:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19
• You have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
• You have taken part in activities that put you at higher risk for COVID-19 because you cannot socially distance as needed, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings or being in crowded indoor settings.
• You have been asked or referred to get testing by your healthcare provider, local or state ​health department.

Testing at Student Health Services

You must make an appointment to get tested at Student Health Services on campus. Student Health offers rapid antigen nasal swab COVID-19 tests that can be completed on-site with results in about 15 minutes. Testing is free for students, faculty and staff.

• Call 785.670.1470 to make an appointment

Where to get tested in Shawnee County:

Covid Testing Sites Link on Google -https://sites.google.com/view/sncocovidtesting/home

We are also aware of the following sites:

• Topeka ER & Hospital

  • 6135 SW 17th St. Topeka, KS 66615
  • Phone: 785.670.6760
  • info@topekahospital.com 
• Topeka, KS MedExpress Urgent Care
  • 1834 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66604
  • 785.272.2631
  • Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
    
• University of Kansas Health System - St. Francis Campus
  • Elective/Non-symptomatic COVID-19 Testing
  • Complete the Self-Evaluation checklist located at www.kutopeka.com/coronavirus or call 1.833.463.9362
    
• Stormont Vail Health
  • Complete the Pre-Screening tool located at www.stormontvail.org/covid19/ or call 1.785.354.6000.
    
• Shawnee County Health Department
  •  Shawnee County Testing Options
• CVS Pharmacy at 3901 SW 21st St. Topeka, KS 66604
  • Contact number 785.273.1106
  • Pharmacy Hours
    • Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
    • Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Walgreens
  • Testing & Locations
  • 1001 SW Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66612 785.354.1470
  • 1001 SW Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66604 785.272.3015
  • 2901 SE California Ave. Topeka, KS 66605 785.266.9470
  • 2101 NW Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66608 785.232.2591
  • 3696 SW Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66611 785.266.4520
  • 3900 SW 29th St. Topeka, KS 66614 785.271.9981
  • 2121 SW Fairlawn Rd. Topeka, KS 66614 785.273.1050
  • 3630 SW Wanamaker Rd. Topeka, KS 66614 785.228.5656

I am exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms?

• Do not come to campus
  • If you live on campus, consult the COVID-19 section of Washburn’s Residential Living handbook
• Notify your health care provider
• You may be advised to isolate yourself
• You may be advised to seek testing for COVID-19

I have been exposed to COVID-19 but I am not exhibiting symptoms?

• Self-monitor for symptoms and sign of illness for 10 days following the exposure
• If you start to experience symptoms of illness, notify your health care provider
• You may be advised to seek testing for COVID-19

I am awaiting results of a COVID-19 test?

• Do not come to campus
  • If you live on campus, consult the COVID-19 section of Washburn’s Residential Living handbook
• Notify your health care provider
• Employees should notify Human Resources (benefits@washburn.edu)
• If you have a known exposure, you should isolate yourself until test results are available
• If test results are negative and you have a known exposure, follow the current isolation guidelines (listed below)

I test positive for COVID-19?

• Do not come to campus
  • If you live on campus, consult the COVID-19 section of Washburn’s Residential Living handbook
• Notify your health care provider
• Employees should notify Human Resources (benefits@washburn.edu). According to the WUPRPM, employees should present a medical release, with or without restrictions, to HR prior to returning to work.
• Follow the Shawnee County Health Department Guidelines Below
  • You must be isolated for a minimum of 5 days after symptom onset or test date if without symptoms. You can be released after being fever free (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours, an improvement in symptoms, and able to wear a mask for an additional 5 days. Note: If unable to wear a mask, you must isolate for a minimum of 10 days.

I have traveled recently?

• CDC guidelines.
• Always follow state and local recommendations regarding isolation and testing before and after traveling. Click here for Kansas Department of Health guidelines.

For more health and safety information, including information on symptoms and testing, read the "Symptoms and Testing" dropdown directly above this.

Ichabods Moving Forward Financial Grants

Washburn University students who need immediate financial assistance to stay in school are eligible for grants. Grants can be used for rent, bills, food and other basic needs. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Click here to learn more, donate or apply for a grant.

Ichabods Moving Forward (IMF) is a student-led philanthropic organization sponsored by the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. IMF supports an emergency assistance fund for students going through unforeseen hardship.

Bods Feeding Bods Pantry

The Bods Feeding Bods Pantry is open for anyone in the Washburn community who may need food and commodities. Bods Feeding Bods, located in Kuehne Hall 101, is open Monday - Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. during the semester. Bring a valid WU ID to get access.

HEERF Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report

September 30, 2020
September 30, 2021 (best viewed in Chrome or Edge)
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021 (best viewed in Chrome or Edge)
June 30, 2021 (best viewed in Chrome or Edge)
Revised June 30, 2021 (best viewed in Chrome or Edge)
March 31, 2021
March 31, 2022 (best viewed in Chrome or Edge)
July 10, 2022 (best viewed in Chrome or Edge)

HEERF Student Quarterly Combined Report

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00194900_HEERF_Q1_03312022 Final HEERF Quarterly Report

CRRSAA Emergency Student Grant Report (archive of reports by funding type)

CRRSAA March, 2021
CRRSAA June, 2021
CRRSAA Final Report

ARP Emergency Student Grant Report (archive of reports by funding type)

ARP Quarterly Report June 30, 2021

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Whether you want to draw your own boundaries or are frustrated with someone else’s boundaries, this can be hard time to communicate with friends and loved ones. Here are some tips to have productive conversations without hurt feelings.

How to Communicate Your Boundaries and Respectfully Say “No”

Saying no to people you love is never easy. And as the pandemic drags on, it’s probably feeling harder than ever to pass up the opportunity to gather with family or friends and get a little taste of normal. But knowing how – and when – to say no is the first step to protecting your health and the health of the people you care about. Here are a few tools to help with these situations:

Be clear about your limits

It can feel uncomfortable to ask a lot of specific questions about an event. Instead, you can simply explain what you would feel safe doing. For example, “I’d love to come, but I want to be sure I’ll feel safe. If everyone will be outside, wearing masks and spread out, I’ll be there for an hour or so.”

Gather your thoughts

With so many factors to consider right now, it can be hard to respond in the moment. It’s ok to take time to think. To buy yourself a little time to consider, try something like: “Thank you for the invite! It’s tempting. Let me get back to you tomorrow with what would work for me.”

Offer alternatives

Ask if there is another way to connect with the person who invites you to a gathering. Acknowledge you really want to see them but want to keep everyone safe. Gatherings over video or socially-distanced and outdoors are both good alternatives to gathering indoors.

There are restrictions on gatherings

Restrictions on gatherings vary by location, so check your city and county restrictions for guidance. If you get an invitation that doesn’t follow the current restrictions, please say no. Respecting the current restrictions is a way to do your part to help yourself, your friends and family and your community.

Be clear

Saying no effectively starts with just that – saying no. A simple, direct no, is the best way to make yourself understood and closes the door for negotiations. Your “no” is enough. If you get pushed for more reasons or are accused of being too cautious, you aren’t obligated to reply.

Be honest

Excuses are tempting, but they can easily backfire when your convenient excuse is met with an equally convenient solution. Honesty is usually the best policy: “I wish we could get together, but I don’t want to do anything to risk you or my family/myself getting sick.”

Respecting Boundaries

Hearing “no” from family and friends can be hard – especially in a time as difficult as this.

It’s easy to be frustrated with other people’s boundaries and respond in ways that make people feel guilty for their decisions. Before you respond to someone who has said “no” to your invitation, remember:

They feel bad too

No one is enjoying being away from the people they care about, and turning down invitations is difficult for everyone. If someone tells you they aren’t comfortable gathering right now, it’s important to understand they are making a decision they feel is important to protect they and their loved ones’ health.

Show you care

Other’s decisions to skip gatherings right now aren’t about not wanting to see you. Even if you don’t agree, try to let them know you understand and look forward to seeing them in the future.

Offer alternatives

Saying “no” to a group gathering doesn’t mean they are saying no to everything. Ask if there is another way to see each other that would be more comfortable for them, and listen without pushing them to change their point of view.

D2L Training and Access

VPN & DUO

Skype for Business - Phone Service

Zoom Training

Password Management

ITS Training Resources

• Accessibility
• Accounts & Passwords
• Argos Reporting
• Banner
• Check out Equipment
• Classroom Technology
• Hoonuit Virtual Training (users must login using their email and password to access the training)
• Multimedia Production
• My.Washburn
• Network
• Office365
• Outlook Email and Calendar
• Online Education & D2L
• Phones & Skype
• Printing Services
• Security
• Windows 10
• Wireless (WiFi)
• Zoom Video Conferencing

Telecommuting Guidelines

WUPRPM Regulations and Procedures

1. Risk Management and Safety

20. Communicable Disease.

20.1 Purpose.  To set forth procedures and regulations regarding the prevention, mitigation and/or management of Communicable Disease on campus to protect students, faculty and staff. 

20.2  Definitions.

20.2.1  “Communicable Disease” is an infectious disease transmissible (as from person to person) by direct or indirect contact with an affected individual, including by not limited to, hepatitis A, B and C, tuberculosis, rubella, chicken pox, shingles, influenza, measles, meningitis, COVID-19 and others as may be identified by local, state and/or federal agencies.

20.2.2 “Direct or Indirect Contact”. 

• “Direct Contact” occurs when there is a physical contact between an infected person or a susceptible person.
• “Indirect Contact” occurs when there is no direct human-to-human contact. Indirect contact may occur in several ways, including but limited to, when an infected person sneezes or coughs and the infectious droplets are inhaled, when a healthy person touches a contaminated object or surface and then touch their hands, eyes, nose or mouth prior to following universal precautions.

20.2.3. “Health Care Provider” for purposes of this regulation will adhere to the same definition as used by the Family and Medical Leave Act.

20.2.4 “Universal Precautions” is an approach used to prevent and/or mitigate the spread of infectious disease from bloodborne pathogens and/or certain body fluids. This includes, but is not limited to, following proper hand hygiene, wearing personal protective equipment when appropriate, maintaining respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, using adequate procedures for cleaning and disinfection. 

20.3 Notification: Employees who have or suspect they are infected with a Communicable Disease should seek expert medical advice from a health care provider and are encouraged to advise local health authorities of possible public health threat when appropriate.  Employees should follow the directions of local health authorities in order to prevent the spread of infection and protect their own health.  Employees who have a Communicable disease and may be at risk for transmitting the illness through direct or indirect contact to other students, faculty and/or staff should notify Human Resources promptly. Students who have a Communicable disease and may be at risk for transmitting the illness through direct or indirect contact to other students, faculty and/or staff should notify Student Health promptly. 

Employees who present a health risk to other students, faculty and/or staff should conduct themselves responsibly for their own protection and the protection of others in the community, follow universal precautions as appropriate, and not knowingly engage in any activity which creates a material risk of transmission to others.

20.4 Returning to work. Employees should present a medical release, with or without restrictions, to Human Resources prior to returning to work from a Communicable Disease.

20.5 Compliance. The University will consider all recommendations statutes and/or regulations from any local, state and/or federal agency related to Communicable Disease.  The University will consider all applicable recommendations, statutes and/or regulations which protect the privacy of persons who have a Communicable Disease. Every effort will be made to ensure procedurally sufficient safeguards to maintain the personal confidence about persons who have Communicable Diseases. 

WU Reopening PDF

Washburn announces plans for face-to-face classes this fall

Door Entry Signs will be installed at all of the entrances to all buildings. Those will be installed by Facilities Services. All signage in public spaces will be installed by Facilities

Send orders by submitting a facilities work request with the following information:

1. Name
2. Location
3. Budget FOAPAL
4. Which signage (poster and/or door sign)? Specify quantity. We do have some additional designs available if you need other options. Contact Public Relations about those. If you have suggestions or a need for special wording on a poster, contact Public Relations at wurelations@washburn.edu. If you have a need, chances are somebody else does as well and we can print in bulk.
5. Which arrows or Other Floor Signs? Quantity? Please specify where you would like to have the signs installed.  Those installations will be done by Facilities.

Poster options

(click to zoom)

Door Sign

(click to zoom)

Social distancing arrows and floor signs

(click to zoom)

• Facilities Services FAQ PDF
• Supervisor FAQ PDF
• Workspace Set Up FAQ PDF