Colleagues –
Today, the University announced new measures based on public health principles and the latest information and assessments for our community.
Most University operations will remain unchanged, with four exceptions that take effect Thursday, March 12:
- All classes are canceled tomorrow and Friday. We expect classes to resume Monday (March 16) delivered remotely in alternative formats – and not meeting in person – through April 21, the last day of classes this semester.
- All U-M events and events organized by others on our campuses that would convene 100 people or more are canceled from Thursday, March 12, until at least April 21.
- All U-M international travel is suspended until at least April 21, with rare exceptions requiring approval. Domestic travel for University business is strongly discouraged.
- All U-M education abroad programs will be altered or suspended.
All staff should continue normal routines to the extent possible. At this time, there are minimal changes to U-M day-to-day campus operations.
Please be assured that our primary concern in the College is the health and safety of our entire community. We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone. With that in mind, we are advising staff to do the following:
- If you believe you are sick, stay home. If you have traveled recently to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran, stay home and self-quarantine. Communicate your situation immediately with your supervisor.
- Equip yourself for telecommuting. Ensure you are prepared with materials and software required to work from home. Resources for telecommuting staff can be found on this College website. Supervisors have been encouraged to provide telecommuting options to employees whose job duties can be done remotely without hampering operations.
- Continue normal job duties. Please work with your supervisor to ensure that all critical responsibilities continue to be accomplished. Discuss with your supervisor what job duties will need to be adjusted or cannot be completed, either due to remote work or in the event you are ill, quarantined or other reasons.
The College is committed to supporting staff who cannot report to work. Vacation or excused time without pay is available for employees who are unable to work remotely. In the event of a recommended or required quarantine, employees unable to work remotely may use paid sick time in lieu of vacation or excused time without pay. For additional information, read this Human Resources FAQ: https://hr.umich.edu/2019-novel-coronavirus.
Additionally, please continue to follow health, wellness and prevention guidelines provided by the University, updated regularly with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. If you believe you are sick, for your benefit and the health of your colleagues, I urge you to stay home. If you have traveled recently in a country with a CDC Level 3 Travel Notice, self-isolate for 14 days and get medical attention immediately for any possible symptoms.
Further communication will follow as circumstances and plans evolve. Please share any questions, concerns or ideas by clicking here. Please check the University’s Key Issues page for the latest information.
If it appears COVID-19 will prevent normal operations this fall, we will plan accordingly and will need you to consider additional contingencies.
I realize that this challenging and evolving situation creates stresses for everyone in our community. I appreciate your concern for students, faculty and colleagues, even as you navigate the impact to yourselves. Your example matters. Thank you for your collegiality and collaboration and your continuing demonstration of all of our values.
Take care,
Alec