Dear Staff,
We continue to monitor developments regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Currently, there remain no known cases of COVID-19 at Concordia University.
In the last 24 hours, the Governors of Michigan and Wisconsin have issued orders with respect to K-12 education. We recognize these orders will impact many employees who have children in the early childhood and K-12 age group.
While the University has suspended face-to-face instruction from March 16 - April 13, all University operations will continue as normal. Faculty and staff are expected to work their normal schedules when possible.
Even so, our faculty and staff are the lifeblood of the University. In light of this unprecedented time and as early childhood and K-12 schools close statewide, we will be as flexible as possible to accommodate both the needs of our employees, while ensuring operational continuity for Concordia University.
As a result, we are taking the following measures, but please be aware that as we learn more, we may need to make changes to these plans:
- Work interruption due to early childhood, day care, and K-12 closuresEmployees impacted by early childhood and K-12 closures should continue to work their usual hours if at all possible. If school and/or daycare closure make this impossible, employees will be permitted to pursue short-term schedule changes.
- Work-time as defined for facultyZoom classes are to be offered at the same time as the class was scheduled on campus. Synchronous class sessions are not permitted to be held at times different from existing class schedules. Asynchronous classes must be delivered with a primary focus on the student’s schedule and needs, first. Adjusted faculty schedules must not interfere with the instructional and academic experience of our students.
- Flexible on-site schedulesEmployees should work with their supervisors to request schedule modifications. Whenever possible, supervisors will adjust on-site work hours to accommodate employee needs. This means that the employee would report to their usual campus or center location, but at a different time than routine hours. The Director of Human Resources must approve all Flexible On-site Schedules.
- Remote work arrangementsIf a Flexible On-site Schedule is not feasible while accommodating an employee’s dependent-related need, and the Director of Human Resources determines that the employee’s job function can be performed at home, Remote Work may be approved. Remote Work arrangements will be determined on a case-by-case basis and are not a blanket-benefit for all employees in all job functions. The Director of Human Resources and the employee’s designated Vice President/Provost will make final approvals for Remote Work arrangements.Remote Work arrangements are short term. When dependents return to school and/or daycare, employees will return to their regular schedule and campus or center location.
- Children in the workplacePlease refer to existing policy (7.10) in our Employee Handbook with respect to children in the workplace. We love our kids, but especially at this time we urge parents to keep their children at home for the sake of health and wellness for all. Please speak with your supervisor if you have questions or concerns.
A reminder about other COVID-19 related employee policies:
- If you develop symptoms, stay at home – please do not come to work if you are ill. Employees should use sick leave or contact their supervisor or HR. If symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing are present, you are advised to contact your health care provider for advice.
- If you or a member of your household falls into one of the high-risk groups as identified by the CDC, such that you may be advised by a health authority not to come to work, please let Human Resources know.
- Faculty and staff are encouraged to practice social distancing and cough etiquette, as well as follow CDC recommendations for handwashing and the use of disinfectant on frequently touched surfaces.
- At any time, should employees be exposed or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19, they will complete a 14-day self-quarantine. Faculty and staff who are able to perform their job functions from home would do so during voluntary self-quarantine. For those unable to perform their job functions from home, the university’s sick leave policy may be extended to cover self-quarantine days. HR will provide necessary guidance.
- Cancel work travel planned for any country with a CDC Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice. Any other work-related international travel must be approved by your supervisor and is likely not to be approved between now and April 30, 2020.
- Reconsider personal international travel between now and April 30, 2020. Any international travel must be reported to HR. If you travel to a CDC Level 2 or 3 Travel Health Notice country, you will be asked to complete a 14-day self-quarantine upon your return.
- Curtail domestic work travel, particularly air travel scheduled now thru April 30, 2020. Work with your supervisor to determine how travel-related business goals can be achieved using Zoom or other telework tools. Employees will not be required to travel if they have a concern for their own health and well-being.
We Are Concordia. Thank you for working together to ensure a safe, high quality, healthy environment for one another and for the students we so dearly love.
Sincerely,
Allen J Prochnow
Executive VP