Coronavirus Update March 16
The AU COVID-19 task force is meeting regularly. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 18th, with updated information to follow.
COVID-19 has disrupted the rhythm of many institutions. Our places of employment, houses of worship, schools, childcare facilities, and local businesses, are attempting to find a balance between safe practice and business continuity. As an employee, there will be challenges over the next several weeks as we move ahead. Let’s maintain open dialogue, practice grace in difficult times, and know that we all are doing our best.
It will be important to work with your supervisor or department director as we make workplace adjustments. The ultimate goal is to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmission through social distancing. As such, we ask that employees not bring children into the workplace. For spring break and the virtual learning week, both the Library and Kardatzke Wellness Center will be closed.
It is the intention of this communication to give the clearest definition we have at this moment concerning student, faculty, and staff employment:
Spring break:
This is a week we have prior experience navigating. Paid time off (PTO) should be used for vacations or time off already requested and approved. Employees that travel outside Indiana are asked to self-report their travel. Please utilize the self-report link on the Anderson University COVID-19 page. The University reserves the right to ask employees to self-quarantine from the campus community if diagnosed with COVID-19, have visited a high risk area or country identified under a level 3 travel health notice, or have reasonable evidence of exposure to a person diagnosed with COVID-19.
Supervisors and department directors should use this week to prepare for employees completing their duties through remote work, flexible schedules, and alternative work arrangements (more detailed email to supervisors to follow). Please notify the Office of Work Life Engagement if you have staff persons that might be available to assist other departments at worklife@anderson.edu (this email is monitored by WorkLife personnel only).
Previously Identified Virtual Learning Week (3/23-3/27):
As stated in an earlier email by President Pistole, campus operations will continue. Faculty have been asked to modify instruction to accommodate online learning. Staff are asked to help with business continuity within their departments, and potentially be available to shift to other areas of need within the university. Should an employee become unable to perform their duties as assigned, please notify your supervisor or department director who will coordinate with the Office of Work Life Engagement. These requests will be handled on a case by case basis with priority toward remote work solutions and flexible schedules. Employees unable to fulfill their work duties (either on premise or remotely), unrelated to sickness, will be asked to use PTO at this time. If an employee, or an immediate family member requires care due to sickness, employees should use PTO or sick leave reserve. Employees should coordinate with their supervisor to establish ability and requirements to work remotely. Our PTO and sick leave process is the best way to track the full effect of COVID-19 on employees. We are relaxing our sick leave requirement and will not require a note from your healthcare provider.
Care for One Another:
The Office of Work Life will be connecting resources within the campus community by organizing a care center. If you have a need, or resources available to others, please email worklife@anderson.edu.
Should any employee develop symptoms of COVID-19, please self-quarantine and notify your supervisor and Work Life Engagement. IU Health is offering a free virtual screening process through their telemedicine program. The screening is completed on your computer or smartphone, 24 hours a day, with an IU Health care provider, regardless of whether you are on our IU Health plan. Access it here.
Many resources can be found on the AU COVID-19 webpage. Please direct specific employee questions and concerns to worklife@anderson.edu.