Dear Student Affairs Team:
It is hard to believe that we are in our fourth week of working remotely and living with “Stay at Home” orders! I don’t know about you, but I miss everyone! I miss the campus! I miss the students! And, I miss the opportunity to work closely with all of you! Hopefully before long we will be able to return to campus and to our work on-site. As you probably know, there is a Core Emergency Team, led by David Hall, that is meeting weekly (or more) to plan how we manage COVID 19 risks while we start to plan for the future of returning to normal operations. Of course, this won’t be easy or quick! Thank you to all of you for your patience, flexibility and willingness to help out in whatever manner is best for MSU. You all are the BEST!
I realize that this COVID-19 pandemic may be causing you and your family members to worry about personal safety, health issues, work hours/duties, stress of working remotely, or any number of other things. I just wanted to remind you that MSU has a number of resources available for you. For example, Magers Family Health and Wellness Center is open M-F 8am-5 pm and can assist you in several ways! The Center can help employees and students from their homes with Telehealth visits (Medical Staff, Psychiatrists, Consultants and Counselors are available for standard length visits) or in person via the Center. Magers lab, x-ray, and treatment clinic are also open. Call Magers at 417-836-4000 to decide whether a Telehealth or in-person visit is best for your needs. The Pharmacy is also open and able to supply prescription and non-prescription (OTC) medications through the drive-through.
Another resource is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides cost-free services to employees and their family members. EAP consultants provide professional, experienced guidance that can assist individuals in both work and non-work related situations. Information about the EAP can be found at https://www.missouristate.edu/human/employee-assistance-program.aspx.
We are spending a lot of time and energy helping students transition to this alternative teaching/learning format, which is appropriate. But, I want to also let you know that we care about all of our staff…YOU! I’m sure this transition to “critical staff”, working remotely, being reassigned to another area, or moving to the 2/3 pay category has not been easy. If there are questions or suggestions that you have, please feel free to reach out to me and let me know what I can do to support you. Please take care of yourselves and know that you are valued!
Best wishes- Dee Siscoe