Updates from HR: COVID-19 vaccines, SneezSafe, workshops, programs and events
COVID-19 vaccine update
Earlier this week, Human Resources sent a COVID-19 Vaccine Update informing faculty and staff that Group 3 is now eligible for vaccinations. North Carolina Gov. Cooper also announced that Group 4 is expected to become eligible March 24.
What does this mean for WFU? Colleagues should use the NC DHHS Find My Vaccine Group tool if they need help determining which group they may be eligible for. We have also included some guidance below:
- If any portion of a faculty or staff member’s work requires them to be on-campus or on-site, they are eligible for Group 3 (now eligible).
- All faculty and staff employed by WFU, regardless of whether they are on-site or remote are eligible for Group 4 (eligible March 24).
Where do I get a vaccine? Yesterday’s message outlined a number of community providers who may have appointments available. Additionally, Gov. Cooper announced that a FEMA-supported COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center will open at Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro on March 10. Information about scheduling appointments for this site has not yet been released. Full- and part-time staff (scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours per year) may use Release Time for their vaccination appointment(s).
I’ve been vaccinated, now what? To aid in our vaccine distribution planning efforts, faculty and staff are encouraged to inform HR that they have received a vaccine by re-submitting the Employee Survey. Some colleagues may want to request Paid Time Off (PTO) following a vaccine appointment in case they experience side effects. Even after receiving the vaccine, everyone should continue to practice safety measures, including wearing a mask and social distancing.
What about student workers? Human Resources is in the process of identifying student workers who may be eligible for Group 3. Students who are not employed by the University will be eligible for either Group 4 or Group 5, depending on their current residential arrangement.
When will I learn more? Join the Faculty and Staff Forum this Friday, March 5, at 4 p.m. for an update on the University’s COVID-19 vaccine planning. Check your email for the Zoom Webinar details.
Is that sneeze really safe?
There is a significant overlap between allergy symptoms and mild COVID-19 symptoms, making it especially important for colleagues to continue to accurately identify their symptoms while completing the SneezSafe daily wellness screening as we enter into allergy season this spring.
Learn more on the CDC website.
Inclusive Excellence for Leaders: March 8
Categories: Faculty News, Inside WFU, Staff News
Updates from HR: Workshops, Affinity Experience, CARE referrals, retirement contributions and mask distribution
CARE Team: How to report
The Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Team serves the University community by evaluating and responding to reports of disruptive, troubling or threatening behaviors and provides referrals to individuals in need of support, guidance or intervention. If you are concerned about a member of the Wake Forest community, please send an email to care@wfu.edu or complete the CARE referral form. 
Inclusive Excellence for Leaders: Jan. 21
Faculty and staff leaders and those with responsibility for leading diversity, inclusion and equity efforts with their unit are invited to join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Thursday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., for a RIDE Workshop.
Register for this workshop on the PDC website.
Strategies for Trans Inclusion: Jan. 21
Join Dr. AJ Mazaris of the LGBTQ+ Center on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., for a conversation about pronouns, chosen names and best practices for classroom inclusion, with a focus on both virtual and in-person teaching spaces.
Register for this conversation on the PDC website.
Spring Affinity Experience: Jan. 28
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a Spring Affinity Experience on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., to link underrepresented faculty, staff and allies to affinity groups and resources at Wake Forest University to create a sense of belonging and community.
Register for this event on the PDC website.
Mask distribution
Free face coverings are available for faculty and staff pickup at the following locations:
- Benson Information Desk
- Environmental Health and Safety Office
- Reynolds Gym Front Desk
- School of Business Student Engagement Suite
- ZSR Library Circulation Desk
If you would like to request masks for your entire department or have questions, contact Jen Haggas at 336.758.5707 or haggasjl@wfu.edu.
Update your retirement contributions
As a reminder, faculty and staff may change their 403(b) retirement contributions at any time by visiting the TIAA website or calling 800.842.2776.
Plan Number: 406897
“Let’s Stop Making the Easy Stuff Hard”
ICYMI: Allison McWilliams, assistant vice president of mentoring and alumni personal and career development, reflects on last week’s events in Psychology Today.
Read the full article on Psychology Today.
Categories: Faculty News, Inside WFU, Staff News
