COVID-19 Updates for Employees

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:59:19 -0400
covid19

We know that our employees have many questions about the University's current operations and their health and safety. We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, including minimizing the transmission of viruses. While the university is currently open for business, the following FAQs are intended to help address employee and supervisor questions regarding such items as remote work and leave, as they relate to UMBC’s Emergency Response to COVID-19. This FAQ document will be updated as circumstances evolve. Please visit the UMBC COVID-19 website for up-to-date information on the University’s response.

Campus Status: UMBC is currently open. This document is intended to address questions related to the University’s current open status. Should the University close, additional information will be communicated around leave and pay.

Are employees required to physically report to work when classes are cancelled?

In accordance with guidance from the Governor, employees, including student employees, are encouraged to work remotely when their job duties can be performed remotely without hindering operations. The University encourages supervisors to exercise maximum flexibility in implementing and approving remote work. This includes scheduling student and contractual employees as needed and available, where work exists and can be performed safely on campus or in a remote location. The University’s standard Telework Agreement will not be required at this time.

What resources exist for employees and supervisors who are working remotely?

The University has a Remote Workspace Checklist that may help you evaluate your remote workspace.

Employees should consult with their immediate supervisor regarding the need for equipment and access to systems that would allow them to work remotely. UMBC offers free tools for video conferencing, chat, collaboration, and online storage. Information on these tools, as well as additional guidance and resources, can be found at doit.umbc.edu/business-continuity/.

Additional resources are being developed and will be posted as they are available.

My job requires me to work on campus. What do I need to know?

Employees are asked to postpone any non-essential meetings. All other meetings should be held virtually. In-person meetings should only take place when appropriate social distancing guidelines can be followed. Please continue to visit the UMBC COVID-19 website for updated information and guidelines.

What if I am not able to work due to a COVID-19 related absences?

Eligible employees should continue to complete and submit timesheets, as well as communicate with their supervisor regarding absences. To help the University track absences related to the coronavirus, the employee should also complete the Coronavirus- Related Absence Tracking Form. Information reported on this form will be shared in summary form only (non-identifiable) and will be used to assist decision-makers responsible for determining if the University should close any or all of its operations related to this virus. In addition, for COVID-19 related absences and quarantine periods, employees who do not obtain medical documentation from their healthcare provider may instead complete the Work Absence Affidavit.

Note: Normal absence procedures apply for illness and/or other requests for leave time not related to COVID-19.

I am not on direct deposit. Will I continue to receive my paycheck?

Yes, while the university is open all payroll processes will continue. Departments should follow normal procedures to pick up live paychecks. We understand that the introduction of remote work will present challenges around this pick up; as such, detailed instructions will be provided to payroll preparers and approvers around check distribution. Employees and departments who use paper timesheets to submit time should institute procedures to receive these documents to ensure that payroll preparers and approvers can accurately input this time.

We continue to strongly encourage all employees to enroll in direct deposit. Information around setting up direct deposit, as well as creating a Payroll Online Services Center Account, changing an address, adjusting tax withholdings, etc. can be found here.

What other resources are available to me?

It is not unusual to feel stress in a situation like this. Fear and anxiety around something like COVID-19 can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Here are a few resources and tips posted by UMBC Counseling that can help you and your family cope. Employees can also contact our Employee Assistance Program for confidential counseling and support.

Please check the COVID-19 webpage for additional resources.

If I have a question that has not been addressed in this FAQ, what should I do?

Please submit your question to Human Resources at COVID19HRresponseteam@umbc.edu.