Showcase events postponed, canceled, redirected

Dear students and scholars:

Out of concern about risks posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, we have made the difficult decision to postpone or cancel many of this year’s events at Showcase, the University’s annual weeklong celebration of academic excellence.

The State of the University Address will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, March 24, but President Schulz will deliver it exclusively to an online audience.

The following events have been postponed until fall, with dates to be determined soon:

  • Distinguished Faculty Address
  • Celebrating Excellence Banquet
  • Emeritus Society Legacy of Excellence Lecture

Canceled are the following events:

  • Academic Showcase
  • Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) Research Exposition
  • Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA)
  • Crimson Reads

Information will be available soon about plans for the Three-Minute Thesis.

We recognize that many members of our community have put in hard work to prepare presentations for Showcase poster sessions. Event organizers are exploring alternate formats for sharing scholars’ discoveries and innovations. They will provide updates as plans develop.

Faculty and staff members named to receive University awards and newly promoted and tenured faculty will be recognized at the rescheduled fall banquet.

For more than a dozen years, Showcase has been a central part of WSU’s academic culture. The decision to cancel is unprecedented, made in response to an extraordinary situation. As developments unfold, we will continue to seek new ways to share scholarly work across the University community and to honor those whose contributions surpass expectations.

 

Sincerely,

Laura Griner Hill
Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Affairs
Cochair, Showcase Steering Committee
509-335-8746

Rebecca Van de Vord
Assistant Vice President, Academic Outreach and Innovation
Cochair, Showcase Steering Committee
509-335-8915

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washington State University is actively monitoring the incidence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in our region. We have been asked how COVID-19 may impact upcoming events including SHOWCASE. WSU is following guidance from local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding large gatherings, including CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

At this time, our upcoming SHOWCASE will take place as planned. However, if you are sick or feeling you are getting sick, we ask that you please stay home. Currently, older adults and persons with underlying health conditions are considered to be at increased risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Examples of underlying health conditions include heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, people with weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant. The CDC recommends that people in high-risk groups consult with their healthcare provider about attending any large gathering.

If you do choose to attend SHOWCASE, please keep in mind the CDC recommendations on how to keep yourself and others healthy:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.