This message to all faculty and staff has been approved by Renisha Gibbs, Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Finance & Administration Chief of Staff.
The University continues to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 to our work, educational, and research environment. Florida State University is open and fully operational. At this time, there are still no reported cases of COVID-19 on campus or in Leon County.
Due to the statewide closure of all K-12 schools and guidance from health officials, effective Tuesday, March 17, we are encouraging employees whose job duties are conducive to remote work, to do so with appropriate approval. Departments may not shut down and are expected to remain open with the appropriate coverage (with full-time salaried employees) to ensure the University remains fully operational. Employees must still be able to perform the essential functions of their respective positions, remotely or in person. Special consideration should be given to employees with underlying health issues that may increase the severity of infection should they come in contact with COVID-19.
For employees who are not able to perform their essential job functions remotely, we ask that departments and supervisors be flexible with leave approvals when necessary when personal circumstances warrant. Departments are advised to develop a temporary schedule to rotate shifts for employees who need to be on campus to perform their work duties or keep the department operational to promote social distancing. In addition, departments such as FSUPD, Emergency Management, Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, Health and Wellness, Human Resources, Controller’s Office, Procurement, University Libraries, Housing, Information Technology Services, and Campus Recreation are considered essential and should ensure the appropriate on-campus coverage to support institutional needs.
Human Resources will temporarily remove any childcare requirements for remote work and provide automatic, immediate approval upon receipt of the completed Temporary Remote Work Guidelines Acknowledgement. While some employees will have the option to work from home, please remember that minor children should not be on campus. The guidelines regarding minors in the workplace are available in the FSU & You handbook.
Additional information on the University Temporary Remote Work Policy Guidelines (including eligible and ineligible positions) and instructions for coordinating with Human Resources can be found here.
The University is working hard to remain flexible as we continue to follow the guidance of health professionals. It remains our paramount goal to keep our entire campus community safe by proactively mitigating risk to our employees. We also want to provide employees with the support they need to continue their daily job functions while being able to care for family needs. We will continue to evaluate and monitor this dynamic situation and communicate accordingly.
For questions regarding COVID-19 Policy Guidance, click here. For FAQs, click here. Please continue to monitor the University Coronavirus page.