After announcing masks will be needed in all campus buildings, Emporia State University is now encouraging staffers to get vaccinated.
All university employees will be offered a $300 incentive to get vaccinated. Staffers need to get their final shot by Oct. 4, meaning a first dose of Moderna no later than Sept. 3 or Pfizer no later than Sept. 10. Single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccines are also eligible.
ESU says previously-vaccinated faculty and staff are eligible for the financial award.
Meanwhile, students can get in on the incentives.
ESU is expanding its involvement in the #VaxToNormal campaign by announcing every enrolled student who gets vaccinated will receive a $250 scholarship for the spring semester and will be entered to win prizes, including scholarships gift certificates and the grand prize — one of 10 $3,500 scholarships, or enough to cover in-state tuition and fees for the spring semester.
Previously-vaccinated students have already claimed their spring scholarship and are eligible for the grand prize drawing. Currently unvaccinated students must get their shots by Oct. 4.
Students and staff can get vaccinations as part of Monday’s Welcome Back Block Party, with #VaxToNormal and Lyon County Public Health representatives stationed at Emporia Main Street’s office. There is another vaccine clinic from 5:30-7 pm Thursday at Schallenkamp Hall and walk-in clinics every Thursday at the Student Health Center from 10 am to noon starting Sept 2.
Federal funds are being used for these incentive packages. The total amount could run up to $1 million to $1.3 million.
