March 13, 2020: Staff Update on COVID-19

As you know, the University has suspended all in-person classes and is moving to a distance-learning model because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus. I encourage you to review President Roth’s message to the campus community and to review the central coronavirus website.

While this outbreak and the difficult decisions it has necessitated are unprecedented for Wesleyan, we will continue to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all who remain on campus. The University will remain open and staff shall continue to work during this period. It is also important to note that the demands on many staff members’ time will significantly increase as we work to shift classes to virtual instruction.

That said, if you are ill or experiencing symptoms related to the coronavirus, please stay home.

We have worked hard to anticipate problems and questions related to our suspension of in-person classes, but our interim operational plan remains a work in progress and will no doubt require refinement and modification over the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your patience and your constructive suggestions.

 Work Schedules and Staff Needs 

We have a tireless workforce of Wesleyan colleagues who are resourceful, dedicated, and eager to see our community thrive. The University needs your wisdom and experience as we partner to make the Wesleyan experience the best it can be, regardless of the conditions.

Each Cabinet member is working with supervisors to review staffing needs in their areas.  Supervisors will identify staff whose work can be carried out remotely and make plans for these staff to work from home. Remote staff will attend to work responsibilities as though they were on campus and must communicate with their supervisors regarding any questions or concerns about remote work. Unless you have a specific need at this time, please allow your supervisors time to develop these plans.

Staff whose work cannot be performed remotely should continue to carry out their work on campus. Staff who remain on campus and have special considerations, such as needing to care for a child whose school has closed or is concerned about their own health status, should review Frequently Asked Questions for staff.    

 Essential personnel, including Public Safety and Physical Plant staff, should continue to report to work as scheduled and should discuss any concerns with their supervisors.

Employee Events and Classes 

Success at WES sessions and Adult Fitness classes are cancelled until further notice. Employee events, such as the Biometric Screening, Cardinal Service Luncheon and Ice Cream Social, will be scheduled at later dates.

 Staff Recruitment

In keeping with the University’s restrictions regarding visitors to campus, in-person interviews will not be conducted on campus. Anjali Tamhankar will work with hiring managers to identify alternative interview strategies.

 Health Insurance Coverage

Wesleyan will include testing for COVID-19 as a preventive benefit, when medically necessary, therefore, it will be covered in full (waiving co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance).  Additional benefit information is located in the Frequently Asked Questions for staff.   

 Plans are being made for a “virtual” All Staff meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 11:30 AM. Details to follow.

For additional information, please review the University’s central coronavirus/COVID-19 webpage  and the list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Thank you for all you are doing to continue the Wesleyan mission!

Lisa

Lisa Brommer

Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Wesleyan University – North College

237 High Street

Middletown, CT 06459

Office: 860-685-4860

Cell: 316-213-6150