July 10, 2020
Re: Telework Agreements Extended
To: All faculty and staff
July 10, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I want to thank all of you for your continued commitment to the research, teaching and public service mission of UC Merced. The “new normal” of sustained telework can evoke different feelings and emotions for each of us. But, as we know, telework is an important way to do your part in reducing campus density and contributing to the well-being of our community, both on and off campus.
Taking this into account, all current staff telework agreements are now extended to Jan. 10, 2021. Employees do not need to take any action; the extensions are automatic.
Before July 31, all managers and supervisors must communicate with staff about job duties and functions that will continue remotely through fall semester. When business needs require a return to campus, please ensure that relevant assignments and duties are consistent with submitted business continuity plans. Any work that continues on campus must directly support the research, teaching and student life mission of UC Merced.
All academic appointees, researchers, faculty and staff (including student employees) returning to campus must comply with the symptom checking and reduction of physical mitigation policies . One way to do so is through the UC Merced Health Check app; you may download the app to your phone at any time but you will not be able to report symptoms until you receive a notice that the app functionality has been released to you.
If any employees are required to work on campus, they must be placed on the designated staff list by their division head or dean. Division heads or deans may make that request by submitting names, schedules, assigned buildings and reasons to hr@ucmerced.edu .
Laura Rodriguez Mascorro, UC Merced’s emergency manager, shared this article with me that shows how the pandemic life cycle mirrors the stages of grief. Although we cannot work together physically right now, you are not alone in the range of emotions you may be experiencing. The Ombuds office as well as the Employee Assistance Program are here to support you. And as always, please reach out to Human Resources if we can be of any assistance.
Please be safe and well.
Nicole Pollack
Assistant Vice Chancellor/ Chief Human Resources Officer
