Dear Faculty and Staff,

Effective immediately, ESF employees whose job duties require them to be fully in-person (e.g., Police, Mailroom, Facilities) should report to work. All others may temporarily work a Hybrid schedule through Jan. 14, 2022, under the following conditions:

• Employees will work no more than five (5) remote days in a two-week period.
• To be eligible, you must have documented permission from your immediate supervisor, as well as your department head, and be able to complete your full professional obligation remotely. A written plan detailing your duties to be performed, as well as completing a biweekly progress report, will need to be submitted to your supervisor.

This temporary use of Hybrid scheduling will follow the same process as the existing Telecommuting Policy.

We also encourage employees to utilize their leave accruals during this period; leave requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and will be liberally approved based on operational need.

Unless otherwise notified by Human Resources, an employee should begin working the agreed-upon remote schedule with the approval of their supervisor and department head.

Supervisors and/or department heads should email Human Resources of any schedules that have been adjusted and what those adjustments are. More details will be provided to supervisors/department heads next week on how to submit the changes.

Until further notice, no social gatherings should be held at ESF facilities nor should there be College-sanctioned events held off-campus. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am already Hybrid, does this apply to me? 

No, you can continue to work your current hybrid schedule. This expansion just allows functions currently deemed to be In-Person the same privilege extended to those who are currently Hybrid.

I am CSEA, does this apply to me? 

Yes, if your supervisor and department head approve that you can complete all your duties while working a Hybrid schedule.

Can my supervisor require me to work in-person more than 50%? 

Yes, some employees may have to come in every day or more than 50% to check mail, sign documents, file, print document/contracts, etc.

What is a biweekly progress report and where can I find it? 

The report is required to be submitted to your supervisor documenting the work you performed on remote work days. Human Resources is happy to share sample reports. You can obtain a report here.

What do I do if I am identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive case?

Anyone who receives correspondence from the College that you are a close contact of a COVID-19 positive case may work from home, to the extent possible, for five days following the notice, and then take a COVID-19 test (PCR test). You may continue to work from home until a negative result is received.

Where can I find a testing site?

Testing remains available at the SU Stadium for all asymptomatic members of the ESF community. Visit the SU website for the most current hours (including over winter break) and directions. In addition, information about available PCR testing sites near you can be accessed online here.

Masking Reminder

ESF remains at the current COVID Alert Level of RED. Masks are required at all times on campus when indoors—unless when alone in an enclosed room—and outdoors when in the presence of others.

This means that if you are in the same work area as others and/or your workstation does not have a private office with a door, you must wear a mask all day, unless you are actively eating or drinking. This requirement is regardless of distance and vaccination status.

This is in compliance with guidance from the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations.

As a reminder, you should not report to work if you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. If either of these occur, or if you suspect you are a close contact of a suspected or confirmed case, contact Human Resources for guidance.

Thank you.