UPDATED REMOTE WORK POLICY

Dear PSC Community:

As the impact of COVID-19 is experienced across the country and locally, the College’s administration continues to consider steps to protect the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Our goal, though things are rapidly changing, is to create as much stability as possible for members of our community while recognizing that many of us will face untold challenges in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. 

As part of our temporary new normal, this past week (March 23rd – 27th), Philander Smith College operated on a limited-capacity basis with only those employees deemed essential staffing offices. However, for the next week and foreseeable future, we will be shifting to a modified work schedule with use of a telecommuting (or “remote work”) protocol. 

The College will remain operational open each day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Therefore, each functional area on campus should be staffed during business hours by personnel who are able to do so. Telecommuting will be suitable for some employees and jobs but not for others.  Those employees for whom remote work is not a viable option will hear directly from their supervisors to discuss arrangements to return the office on Monday, March 30th with a plan to maintain social distancing and stringent hygiene standards.  

Philander Smith College considers telecommuting (remote work) to be a viable, flexible work option when both the employee and the job are suited to such. Under this arrangement, supervisors are expected to create as much flexibility as possible for employees to continue to do their work remotely in an effort to maintain campus operations. Employees and supervisors should agree on work expectations and communication protocols.  (Please see the attached Emergency Remote Work Policy.) 

If an employee is neither able to telecommute nor work in the office due to quarantine for themselves or a family member, or if an employee is caring for children as a result of school or daycare closure, recent legislation under the Family First Coronavirus Response Act allows for employees  to request paid time off from work.  If applicable, you may provide documentation to the Office of Human Resources to request leave under this provision.   

With our environment changing daily, the College is committed to providing updates as details unfold and changes are warranted.  In the meantime, please work through any job-related responsibilities, assignments or scheduling questions with your supervisor. Along with your leadership team, Human Resources will continue to assist and provide support to address any questions or concerns you may have. 

As we take preventative measures to thwart the spread of the Coronavirus while striving to preserve the College’s business continuity, we are deeply appreciative of how members of our community are rising to this challenge to keep Philander Moving Forward during these uncertain times.

Best regards, 

Yolanda Watson

Human Resources Director