Chief Diversity and Inclusion Office guidance for K-State Unity Walk and KSUnite
All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join together for the K-State Unity Walk to the K-State Student Union main ballroom, from 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6.
University administration has approved a rare closure of all classes and offices from 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 to allow all students, faculty and staff to walk to the K-State Student Union for a program beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the main ballroom. Activities will include the Unity Walk, the main program from 1:00 p.m.-1:50 p.m. then breakout sessions in two periods: Session 1 from 2:00 p.m.-2:40 p.m. and Session 2 from 2:50 p.m.–3:30 p.m. All sessions will take place in various locations in the K-State Student Union.
KSUnite is our movement that joins the entire university family together to uphold the value of human diversity and inclusion for community. We share a responsibility to stand up for open dialogues, and a climate of inclusion, and celebration of diversity. All members of the community are encouraged to wear purple and attend.
This announcement has created some questions among faculty, staff and students about what to do for this closure and the events with regard to work time and the closure of offices. We are offering these simple guidelines to address these questions.
General FAQ
What security measures are being taken?
Security precautions will be taken, and security will be on site.
How should this be reported on a time sheet?
This is a regular work day that simply has a special event built in and regular time should be used for purposes of time reporting whether an employee attends the event or not. This includes student workers who are regularly scheduled to work during this time. Work time, vacation time, and sick leave should be reported as normal. There will be no special time reporting. If an employee is out on vacation that day they still report vacation; if they are sick that day they still record sick leave, etc.
Can offices remain open?
Unless your department head determines your area cannot be closed due to some essential function, all offices will be closed to ensure the ability for employees to attend. While the event officially ends at 3:30 p.m., reasonable flexibility should be given to allow employees to return to their offices at that time.
Can I make my employees go? What if someone does not wish to attend?
No, employees cannot be required to attend, however, we strongly encourage you to talk with staff and faculty about what this means for K-State and our family community. We will not be taking attendance. Some offices may determine that they would like everyone to leave the office space during this time. If employees do not wish to attend and their office is closed they may still go wherever they would like on campus and it will still be work time.
I would like to attend the K-State Unity Walk and KSUnite but I need a reasonable accommodation to do so.
Reserved handicapped seating will be available on the southeast side of the WWI Memorial stadium close to the stage, as one enters from the east side. Disabled parking is available at the Alumni Center. Cars with disabled hang tags or license plates can enter. Two American Sign Language interpreters will be available during the KSUnite event.
I would like to attend the main event for KSUnite but cannot be there in person.
For those who cannot physically attend the KSUnite main program, online streaming will be available.
What if an employee wants to keep working?
The university will be closed. If departments determine that there are offices that cannot be closed, unit heads should be notified and a skeleton crew identified to maintain functionality. All other offices will be closed, locked and should not be staffed. Department heads, supervisors and others should work with their leadership teams to determine if any services need to remain open during this period. Examples might be public safety or dining services.
Can students attend the optional morning sessions?
We encourage all faculty to integrate diversity and inclusion into their classes throughout the day and to work with students who would like to attend the morning conversations.
What regular class times are impacted by the K-State Unity Walk and KSUnite?
Class cancellation from 12:30–3:30 p.m. Nov. 6 affects the following regular class times:12:30 p.m.-1:20 p.m., 1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m. and 2:30–3:20 p.m.
