Student Organizations | Photo by Caitlin Shatsby | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University (WSU) is requiring all employees to become vaccinated against COVID-19 and is providing educational programs to those who are in opposition to the policy.
Enforcement for vaccine mandate
WSU announced a new COVID vaccine policy, implemented late last week, that requires employees and student employees to become vaccinated.
The policy and administrators, like Dean of Students Chris Taylor, have indicated that those who do not follow the policy may be terminated from their positions on campus.
To prevent this, counseling and education will be provided for employees who flatly refuse to follow the policy, according to Seth Bauguess Director of Communications. If these programs are unsuccessful in convincing employees to follow the mandate, then progressive discipline measures may be used.
According to the Personal Conduct Policies for Employees handbook, disciplinary actions can include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspensions, reductions in pay, demotions and or removal from the position.
The university is not expecting widespread non-compliance with the mandate and believes it unnecessary for a hiring or recruiting campaign to replace those who are terminated for non-compliance.
“A hiring campaign is not part of the employee vaccine mandate plan,” Bauguess said.
Sherri Mickey-Boggs and Emily Hamman from Human Resources did not wish to comment on the topic.
Student employment
Student employees who do not follow the mandate may also be subject to disciplinary process and termination.
It is uncertain how this policy will affect student organizations or largely student-run departments if a significant number of student employees do not comply.
It is also unknown if the same education and counseling process applies to students. Students with questions or concerns may consult their managers or supervisors.
The Wright State Guardian reached out to Career Services and they did not wish to comment on the matter.
Other Ohio universities
Universities across Ohio have also implemented vaccine mandates, including Miami University and Ohio University.
Taking effect Nov. 22, 2021, Miami’s policy includes a vaccine mandate for all university students and employees.
According to their policy, students who do not follow the policy will be unable to register for spring 2022 classes and may not be able to partake in on-campus activities. Miami employees who do not comply will face disciplinary action. The policy does not outline what disciplinary action includes.
According to its COVID-19 policy, Ohio University is requiring continuing and new students to receive a COVID vaccine in order to participate in spring semester 2022. Employees are subject to the same mandate.
Wright State employees must upload proof of their COVID vaccination by Jan. 4, 2022.
