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Telework Extension and New Programs to Assist Employees

April 16, 2020
To: All staff and faculty
April 16, 2020
 
Dear UC Merced employees,
 
Human Resources staff continues to review and create programs to support UC Merced employees whose jobs and lives have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please read the information below. There is news for the hundreds of us who are working remotely, along with assistance for qualified child-care expenses and two programs that tap into our desire to help each other.
 
Telework Agreement Extension
 
Temporary telecommuting agreements are being extended through May 31. University employees working remotely who previously submitted a Temporary Telecommute Agreement need to complete a simple amendment form to extend the agreement. The form also asks you to note University property you brought home, such as laptops and phones. A report about the equipment will be sent to supervisors and managers for proper tracking once all employees are able to work at campus locations again safely. Keep in mind the Temporary Telecommute Agreement can be lengthened or shortened based on new information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Qualified Disaster Relief Payment Program
 
The Qualified Disaster Relief Payment Program (QDP) is new for UC Merced employees who are designated and required to work on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. QDP will pay up to $1,000 for qualified child-care expenses. For more information about the program, contact Human Resources’ Benefits team .
 
 
Catastrophic Leave Donation Bank
 
UC Merced employees now can donate vacation time to other colleagues who have a chronic health condition and have run out of paid leave. The Catastrophic Leave Donation Bank is an addition to the Catastrophic Leave Program, in which you can specify the employee for whom you wish to donate time. Go here for more details.
 
Job Exchange Bank
 
We are pleased to announce a Job Exchange Bank for represented and non-represented UC Merced staff employees. The program is designed to identify underused staff and match them with departments and units that can use their abilities for tasks, assignments or projects. Departments that need staff support can complete this form . Departments that have staff available for redeployment can complete this form .
 
We will continue to keep staff updated as information is available. Stay healthy, safe and connected.
 
Sincerely,
 
Human Resources