University of Saint Francis President Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, sent a letter to faculty and staff on Thursday, April 2, to offer an update on campus operation during the COVID-19 precautions:
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Just a message today to share some information as we continue to settle into the new way of teaching and working that was recently forced upon us. I hope you are all staying well and are carefully following all the health measures being asked of us so we can “flatten the curve” of the spread of the virus. It is clear to me that each one of us is responsible for doing just that, whether you are at home teaching or working, whether you are working on campus, or some combination of both.
Recently the Federal Government updated its guidance on prevention measures for the COVID-19 pandemic, including extending its social distancing guidelines through the end of April to help “flatten the curve.” This is proving to be the best way to help prevent the spread of the illness. While the State of Indiana has not yet extended the “stay-at-home” timeframe, USF is extending its policies concerning the use of flexplace and remote work for our employees until May 1st.
As we continue to do our part, while remaining open as an essential business:
1. Flexplace is being granted as widely as possible within the limits of technological capacity and individual position functionality from a remote location.
2. There is a presumption that, when flexplace is possible, it can be chosen by an employee with the support of their supervisor.
3. Supervisors, in consultation with each employee, can assign alternate training or professional development at their discretion to employees working flexplace, as part of their duties. This is a good time to take advantage of the professional development opportunities available to all of us. For example, we can all catch up on the technological potential available to us to meet and communicate virtually.
At this point, UTS has no documented issues with virtual desktops. Usage is up to approximately 25 simultaneous connections. If you experience a sluggish virtual desktop, it may be caused by a variety of things including other people’s activity on your home network or your internet connection. See suggestions below.
- Close your open applications and log off and try again in an hour or so.
- On Wednesdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. virus scanning occurs. Avoid this time if you are doing heavy processing.
- Put in a ticket if you are experiencing difficulties not related to your internet connection and/or other internet activity in your household. Be as specific as possible.
We are working on some solutions for the phone system off campus. At this point, the only option is to physically answer the phones or rely on voicemail. Craig Teetsel in the Business Office is tracking COVID-19 related expenses. Please continue to send him any related expense information and receipts.
Finally, HR has been receiving several questions regarding employees and possible COVID-19 exposures. To assist you with your questions below is a link to the Allen County Department of Health COVID-19 Pandemic site: https://www.allencountyhealth.com/get-informed/covid-19/
When you go to this site, please scroll down to the Employee Illness Recommendations (link below). This will provide guidelines on what to do if an employee has been exposed to a confirmed and/or potential COVID-19 case.
· Supervisors must notify HR at hr@sf.edu of employee that is unable to report to work or work remotely due to illness or any other reason
· Supervisors should ensure timecards are completed and submitted on all employees appropriately
o Ensure work time/hours are listed
o Ensure use of Personal Time Off (PTO), Sick Leave Reserve (SLR), Leave of Absence (LOA), etc., if applicable, is listed, contact HR at hr@sf.edu with questions
o Please contact HR at hr@sf.edu with questions.
Thanks to the vice presidents, deans and supervisors who are all dedicating significant time to help us navigate this new and, we hope, temporary landscape. Thank you to all members of the campus community for doing your best to keep all USF offices functioning under these new and very different circumstances. Our current and future students depend on us.
Each day Sister Anita is posting a thought for the day on MCC to help us deepen our faith so we can better manage all the changes happening around us and to us. Remember that you are made in the image and likeness of God, so he is always with you. If you have not yet asked that MCC announcements be sent directly to your inbox, just go to MCC and click on that option. There are many other helpful announcements being communicated on MCC, as well.
While these unprecedented times can create anxiety and stress, they can also bring out the best in us in how we respond. I can see that in how you are embracing these challenges with your usual dedication to our students and to one another. We also need a lot of patience with ourselves and with one another! Let’s keep one another, our university and our world in prayer.
I wish you health, peace and many blessings,
Sister Elise