Return to Work Update
Posted June 16, 2020
June 16, 2020
Friends and Colleagues – In today’s message, I want to try to address a few more questions that we didn’t get to at last Friday’s Q&A.
Temperature Checks, Screenings and Testings: Several questions were asked about health care checks for employees and students. The expectation during phase 3, remains that everyone should take responsibility for their own health and conduct a personal health screening each day before coming to work by checking themselves for cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. While this is still an overall good idea as we enter phase 4, the next phase guidelines have not been set by IBHE or the SIU System Task Force. A direction is expected soon as to whether the institution will conduct health tests on personnel.
Alternatives to calling the Police: A few questions were asked about other ideas for alternatives to calling the police if someone refuses to wear a mask. I agree that calling the police for a mask violation should be the last resort, not the first. Similarly, sending an employee home without pay for refusing to wear a mask should be the final attempt at resolution, not the first. In both cases, a simple reminder of “Do you mind wearing a mask?” may jog someone’s mind or if departments had spare masks on hand, it could help. Remember that masks are also on sale in the Cougar Store and the Pharmacy at Health Service in the Success Center. But if all else fails, as in all things, and an employee or visitor is belligerent, it’s okay to call the police at ext. 3324. They are very good at deescalating any situation.
Remote Work: A follow up question asked if everyone is expected to be back to work by June 15. The answer is yes. Unless they are using approved leave time, all staff are expected to be working from campus or remotely. The guidelines for working remotely are here Work-Remotely Guidelines and Agreement. ITS and HR have developed an on-line Remote Work Request form that can be accessed here.
I’ll have more answers to questions later in the week.
Thank you for all you do. Keep supporting one another and stay well.
Rich Walker
Vice Chancellor for Administration
