EMPLOYEES RETURNING TO CAMPUS
Q: I have been working remotely and was just informed that I need to return to work on-campus. Am I required to do so?
A: Yes – each Dean and Vice President may designate certain faculty and staff as essential and require their presence at a campus or office location. The first phase of campus reopening focuses on the onsite service of health professions students and patients, requiring the presence of employees who directly support them.
Q: How do I prepare to return to work?
A:The NSU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, in partnership with key university stakeholders, has developed a comprehensive plan for workplace safety and the return to campus. Please visit the NSU Environmental Health and Safety website for further details.
Q: Will all employees be expected to return to their on-campus or office work location?
Unless you have been notified specifically to return to your on-campus or office work location, you may continue to work remotely. Employees whose on-site presence is needed to support students, patients, faculty and staff will be notified of the requirement to return to a campus or office work location.
CONCERNS ABOUT RETURNING TO CAMPUS
Q: How will my concerns be addressed about in-person activities at a time of social distancing?
A: Staff are encouraged to involve their college/unit HR Contact facilitate this conversation, if necessary. If a staff member is unable to satisfactorily resolve his/her concerns at the college/unit level, he/she may request assistance from Central HR. Staff members with certain underlying health conditions may be a “qualified individual with a disability” eligible for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disability Act [ADA]). Please visit the Office of Human Resources website to learn about your rights under the ADA.
Q: I have been notified to return to campus. Are there circumstances in which I may be allowed to continue working remotely?
Q: I want to return to work on-site as requested by my supervisor, but I have some restrictions due to a medical condition. Who should I talk with about making adjustments to my work area and schedule?
A: First, please notify your supervisor about any restrictions to your work area and/or schedule. Information regarding accommodations under the NSU ADA policy is found online here. Consultation with the Office of Human Resources is available by contacting the ADA Coordinator at ohr-ada@nova.edu.
Q: What if I have been advised by my doctor not to re-enter the workplace at this time due to a medical condition?
A: Depending on the type of position you hold, telework may or may not be an available option. Please notify your supervisor and provide medical documentation of your doctor’s directive to the Office of Human Resources Benefits team at loa@nova.edu.
Q: I heard there will be body temperature checks when entering buildings on campus - can employers do that?
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) and COVID 19
Q: What if I am part of the CDC-defined High Risk groups for severe illness from COVID-19?
Q: A member of my household has compromised autoimmunity or other medical conditions and I have been called to work onsite, what should I do?
A: If someone in your household is considered medically high-risk, please contact your supervisor to discuss alternate solutions, such as isolated work space or telework. Supervisors or employees can consult with the Office of Human Resources Benefits team at loa@nova.edu to discuss possible accommodation.
TIME-OFF BENEFITS
Q: My child’s school/daycare is still closed and I do not have other child care. Can I request permission to continue telework so I can work at home while my child cannot go to school?
A: Not every individual or position is appropriate for continued assignment to telework, therefore please discuss other options with your supervisor. If the work of your position can only be performed onsite, please contact your supervisor to discuss alternate job assignments. You may also consult with the Office of Human Resources Benefits team at loa@nova.edu to discuss possible leave of absence options.
Q: I am not sick, but I do not want to come into work for fear of becoming ill. May I request time-off?
A: NSU is taking precautions and following CDC guidelines for your safety on the job. The university is also only requiring the employees to come onsite who are essential to the services needed by our students and community. You may request permission to use vacation time or personal time if available, but if you are an essential employee or your department is short on staff, you will be asked to report to work.
Q: What if I am showing signs of illness?
HEALTHCARE COVERAGE & EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
Q: Will NSU’s ICUBA health insurance plan cover the medical expenses associated with COVID-19 testing and treatment?
A: Yes, testing for COVID-19, testing for antibodies, hospitalization, follow-up doctor visit, and other medical care for COVID-19 will be covered at 100% under the ICUBA medical plan.
Q: What assistance is available to help me cope with the emotional impact of a COVID-19 outbreak?
A: NSU provides resources to help all employees through Aetna Resources for Living Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential counseling services at no cost to all employees and student-employees – you do not have to be enrolled in NSU’s health insurance plan to access EAP benefits. Members of your household are also eligible to access EAP benefits. Information about the EAP’s 24/7, 365 days a year services is found online at Aetna Services and Support for Living Well.
Q: Where can I find the latest information regarding coronavirus COVID-19 and the University’s preparations and response?
A: Please refer to NSU’s Newsroom at www.nova.edu/coronavirus for the latest directives, information and advice regarding COVID-19 and its impact on NSU academic programs and operations.