Faculty/Staff COVID-19 FAQ

Given the current health environment, SVSU recognizes the need to reduce the number of students, faculty, staff and visitors on-campus at any given time and decrease overall density. Many employees in positions not necessary for on-campus operations and that can be performed effectively in a remote setting will continue to do so until further notice and guidance from their supervisor(s). Employees who are working remotely must continue to adhere to all University policies, practices, and procedures in the remote environment, including confidentiality, etc.

The on-campus/remote work for each area/department will look different based on the semester calendar and type of work that the area is responsible for. What is the same, however, is that health protocols and guidance is followed, which includes lowering density in offices, ensuring space for social distancing and physical space considerations, and enhancing cleaning protocols.

Yes. Safety guidelines are being followed to allow faculty and staff to continue to work and maintain the functions of the University.

Consistent with existing policies a supervisor may deny a request for a vacation in order to meet operational needs and employees may be requested to adjust vacation plans based on operational demands. Compliance with CDC and other travel guides is highly recommended as employees may be required to comply with return to work requirements and restrictions. 

• Can the employee’s work be performed remotely?
• Does the employee have the equipment to work remotely?
• Does the employee feel well enough to continue working remotely?

If the answer is yes for these three questions, the employee may continue to work during their quarantine status through a remote platform. If the answer to one of these questions is no, the employee will not be able to work until they have been released from quarantine.

For the safety of your child as well as your co-workers, do not bring a child to work. Employees should work with their supervisor to determine if appropriate work from home arrangements can be established. Employees working remotely are responsible for the timely completion of work responsibilities. For those who cannot work from home and other workplace flexibility options (i.e., adjusted work schedules) cannot be established, you should discuss time off options with your supervisor.

In an effort to further reduce the number of staff reporting to campus, while maintaining University operations, supervisors may elect to allow student employees to temporarily work remotely, however, they must also continue to adhere to all University policies, practices, and procedures in the remote environment, including confidentiality, etc. 

Please refer to the COVID-19 Testing Quarantine and Paid Leave Guidelines (134KB)  for information and protocols.

Yes, through your Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage you can consult a physician through Blue Cross Online Visits. Visit bcbsmonlinevisits.com for more information.

Please visit the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan COVID-19 information site for resources available through your Blue Cross/Blue Shield benefits. 

Flex Spending Dependent Care:

The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) is allowing updates to existing Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. If you have a change in dependent/childcare provider or cost of coverage, you may update your flex spending election. Updates must be made consistent with the change reason. Example, if a daycare provider stopped services due to COVID-19, the election can be reduced or eliminated.

Flex Spending Health Care:

The CARES Act for Flex Spending Health Care has now considered over-the-counter drugs & medicines, along with menstrual care products to be qualified medical expenses. These products are eligible for payment or reimbursement through an FSA. All expenses incurred after December 31, 2019 qualify. In addition, employees who have a carry-over balance in their 2019 Flexible Spending account, will have 120 days after March 31, 2020 to file for reimbursement of any unused funds from 2019. Unfortunately, having more or fewer medical expenses does not allow you to make changes to your Flex Spending election amount, only life events qualify.

• Faculty/staff will be expected to complete a daily health screening per CDC guidance before coming to campus each day. Faculty and staff may complete the assessment online at www.svsu.edu/dailyscreening.
• A paper daily health self-screening form is available upon request.
• For assistance in health screening questions, contact the Office of Human Resources: hr@svsu.edu.

Face Covering/Masks

• Faculty and staff will be expected to wear face-covering/masks in public enclosed spaces and any area where social distancing is not possible.
• Employees may and are encouraged to wear their own masks.
• A limited supply of masks will be available for all employees, including student employees. Contact your supervisor if you need a mask.

Gloves

• Gloves will be provided as requested if there is work that requires or interacts with customers. Contact your supervisor if you are in need of gloves.

Hand Sanitizer

• All physical spaces will be equipped with hand sanitizers. Public spaces will be addressed by Campus Facilities.
• Refill requests can be directed to Campus Facilities.

Disinfecting Products

• Cleaning crews will also be cleaning and disinfecting regularly.  COVID-19 Classroom Cleaning Guidelines
• Physical spaces will have access to cleaning and disinfecting products. Contact Campus Facilities at cfsupport@svsu.edu for refills.
• Faculty/staff will be expected to wipe down individual workspaces using disinfecting products at least twice a day.

Work Areas

• Practice social distancing must be 6 ft. apart.
• Do not crowd others or congregate in small spaces.
• Face covering/masks are required in all shared/open workspaces (including cubicles).

Public Areas

• Face covering/masks and social distancing are required in public areas.
• Use stairs rather than the elevator if possible. Avoid touching railing when using stairs.

Meetings

• In general, avoid face-to-face meetings. Use phone calls, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or other technology to interact. If a face-to-face meeting is necessary consider a meeting in an open space, or outside. Face covering/masks and social distancing required.  Please also refer to the COVID-19 Visitor Policy for additional guidance. 

Enclosed Office

• Face covering/masks are required when traveling from one office space to another and in the presence of others.

Cubicles/Shared Offices

• Face covering/masks are required in these workspaces.
• Practice social distancing must be 6 ft. apart.
• Clean high touch areas after work shift.

Reception Station/Transaction Counter

• Practice social distancing, must be at least 6 ft. apart, utilize every other transaction window if applicable.

Copier Use

• Clean/sanitize copier after use.
• Do not congregate in transactional spaces.

Break and Lunchrooms

• Practice social distancing, must be at least 6 ft. apart, do not congregate in break/lunchrooms.
• Avoid the use of shared dishware, coffee pots, etc., utilizing disposable dishware and utensils, when possible.
• Clean/sanitize surfaces, equipment and any materials after use.