Return to Work on Campus
Sep 27, 2021 4:27 PM
Good afternoon,
While we have been able to telework over these past months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, FSU began returning all employees back to work on campus as of August 30, 2021 for the fall semester. Effective October 11, 2021, all employees will return to work on campus.
As you transition back to campus, this email will provide notification that a telework policy has been approved for non-union employees. Please contact your supervisor and/or Vice President of the division to discuss your teleworking options, if interested, as not all positions may be eligible. Telework documents for non-union employees are located on the Human Resources webpage under HR News Bulletin or Forms page.
Note: If you are part of the collective bargaining unit, the university has not come to an agreement with AFSCME. Until an agreement is reached with AFSCME, your position is not eligible to participate in the telework plan. Please contact your union representative for more information.
As you return to work on campus, safety is of the utmost importance. It is important that you understand the requirements and expectations – see guidance below:
COVID-19 CHECK-IN PORTAL
- All students, faculty and staff must check-in daily during any days they are on campus through the FSU COVID-19 portal.
- Daily email reminders will be sent starting Aug. 30 for students and Aug. 16 for faculty (staff have been receiving reminder emails throughout the summer).
- The FSU COVID-19 portal is also where students and employees can check on their vaccination or exemption status as well as check their testing results if they are in the testing protocol.
MASKS
- In accordance with the CDC recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission and consistent with our commitment to follow health and science guidelines, FSU is requiring masks to be worn indoors when in the presence of others by everyone on campus, regardless of vaccination status, effective August 10, 2021. Most counties in Maryland, including Allegany County, and many throughout the country have community transmission levels listed as "substantial" or higher by the CDC.
VACCINATION MANDATE
- By USM requirement, proof of being fully vaccinated or having an approved exemption is required for all FSU students and employees on campus for the fall 2021 semester. Upload/provide information on the FSU COVID-19 portal. Read more about the vaccination requirement.
- Individuals who are non-compliant with the mandate are being contacted by the appropriate departments (Brady Health Center for students and Human Resources for employees). Individuals will be subject to personnel and student discipline processes. Specific information is being provided to the individuals.
TESTING
- All unvaccinated individuals (those claiming exemptions or those who are not yet fully vaccinated) will be required to participate in the University’s testing protocol beginning August 30. (NOTE: test days, frequency of testing and location of the test faculty on campus will be shared in coming days.)
- Individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated — 14 days after the final dose of vaccine — by Aug. 30 will be required to participate in the university’s testing protocol, until they are fully vaccinated.
- Anyone who is vaccinated AND non-symptomatic can voluntarily be tested through the testing program as well. If you are experiencing any symptoms, contact the Brady Health Center (students) or your healthcare provider (employees).
- Testing will begin on Monday, August 30 and will be located in Lane University Center, Room 113 during the following days and times:
- Mondays, 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- Wednesdays, Noon - 4:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, Noon - 4:00 p.m.
This has been a challenging time for all of us, and we thank you for your continued effort to keep the university safe and operating throughout the pandemic.
Best regards,
Lisa
Lisa Hersch, PHR, SHRM-CP
Chief Human Resources Officer