Is it possible to extend my research educational experience beyond four months?

Yes. The Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement can approve extensions for up to one year with sound justification. To request an extension, email us.

Is it possible to extend my clinical observational experience beyond 12 hours?

Not at this time. All clinical shadowing experiences have been limited to one single, 12-hour shift.

What is a Varicella titer?

A Varicella titer is a blood test that will tell us if you are immune to the Varicella (Chicken Pox) virus.

Do I need to have a Varicella titer drawn if I’ve had Chicken Pox?

Yes. Having had the disease does not guarantee immunity.

Do I need to complete the KEE Application, including all of the documentation requirements, if I have already found a sponsor and coordinated my educational experience with them?

Yes. Your educational experience will not be approved if you do not complete the application and submit the required paperwork.

If I have had a background check within the last 12 months, do I need to complete a new one?

No. Simply send the results of the background check that was completed within the last 12 months to the visitor coordinator.

What are the immunization/TB screening requirements for a clinical observational (shadowing) experience?

You must be able to show proof of completion of the following:

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): two doses of MMR vaccine after your first birthday or documented serologic proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
• Varicella: two doses of Varicella vaccine or documented serologic proof of immunity to the disease. Remember, a history of the disease is not sufficient proof of immunity.
• Hepatitis B: threes doses of Hepatitis B vaccine.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDAP): TDAP vaccination must be within 10 years of KEE participation.
• Influenza: an annual Influenza vaccination if the visitor will be in clinical/health system spaces at any time between October 1 and May 1.

• Please be advised that per health system policy, as of August 7, 2023, the health system no longer requires the COVID vaccine as a condition of employment.  This applies to students, volunteers, etc. 

• Tuberculosis (if you will be around patients or in an animal lab):
  
  • TB skin test
  • TB blood test using either QuantiFeron-TB Gold (QFT-GIT) or T-Spot (TB blood tests are the preferred screening for people who have received the TB vaccine)
  • If a health history of positive TB test or TB infection, an individual must provide the following:
    • History of disease or positive test history
    • Record of treatment
    • Chest x-ray with physician interpretation indicating no signs of tuberculosis infection within 1 year of KEE start date.

Can I submit documentation of my immunizations and TB test instead of having my health care provider complete the form in the KEE Information Packet?

Yes. Please be sure that you send documentation that indicates immunity or accomplishment of the required vaccinations, as well as TB screening.

How long do background checks take?

Validity Screening Solutions usually takes 24-48 hours to complete a background check.

Can I shadow in more than one unit or area?

Yes, with a separate application for each experience.

Can I participate in both a clinical observational (shadowing) experience and research experience at the same time?

Yes, but you will need to complete a separate online KEE application for each experience. Additional compliance paperwork will be required for research learners.

Where should I park while participating in the KEE system?

The KEE system does not provide parking for educational experiences. Contact Parking Services or your sponsoring department with questions.

Do I need to get my ID badge before the first day of my shadowing or research experience?

We recommend that you contact your sponsor and ask if you will have time to pick up your badge on the first day of your educational experience. You can, however, pick up your badge prior to the beginning of your educational experience.

How long does it take to get a badge at the badge office?

• KU Medical Center Badge Office hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Closed noon-1 p.m. daily for lunch.
• The University of Kansas Health System Badge Office hours: Mondays 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesdays through Thursdays 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, and Fridays 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (closed from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm Fridays).