Phased Return to Campus for SUNY Oswego Employees Working Remotely
As announced on April 12, 2021 by President Stanley, SUNY Oswego will return to fully in-person operations in Fall 2021. In follow up to that message, I am sharing important information with employees presently working remotely regarding the transition back to in-person operations. As New York State slowly rolls back COVID-19 restrictions, SUNY Oswego is preparing to fully reopen and plans to welcome employees back to campus on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
The current Pilot Statewide Telecommuting Program expires at the close of business on Friday, July 2, 2021. Accordingly, employees will be expected to report to campus following the Fourth of July extended holiday weekend (the July 4, 2021 holiday is observed on Monday, July 5, 2021). The next few months will be used to prepare for a safe and organized employee return to campus for full on-campus operations.
Actions for May – Assessing and Preparing
All department/office heads should reassess their workspaces to ensure that by July 2, 2021 or earlier if necessary, all safety precautions are in place, such as signage, physical distancing of chairs, workspaces, etc., and Plexiglas shielding is in place, if needed.
Department/office heads/supervisors should also interact with their employees to develop a return to campus schedule for their units, leading up to a full return to on-campus operations effective on July 6, 2021. It is essential that employees start planning for returning to work on campus. Supervisors are strongly encouraged to consider flexible schedule options during the transitional period. Unless the pilot telecommuting agreement is extended by the state, extensions for telecommuting beyond July 2, 2021 will not be approved.
Actions for June – Re-Acclimating
Employees who are not already regularly working on campus should begin working two to three days per week on campus. Employees will work closely with their supervisor to develop a schedule that follows health and safety protocols and is in compliance with New York State guidance regarding density and physical distancing.
The specific on campus schedule for each employee is subject to review and approval and must be coordinated by the supervisor and appropriate area leader or respective Vice President.
- All existing health and safety policies remain in effect and are subject to change as new guidance is issued. These policies appear in the Spring Forward plan on the Oswego Forward website. Any changes will be communicated as quickly as possible.
- o Masks must be worn on campus in accordance with current guidance
- o Physical distancing must be maintained
- o Practice excellent hand hygiene
- Employees reporting to campus must complete the Daily Online Health Screening Form.
- Employees reporting to campus will engage in weekly pooled COVID-19 testing on campus.
Actions for July – Returning to Campus for Employees – Tuesday July 6, 2021
Unless there is an extension or updated guidance regarding returning fully to the workplace, all telecommuting agreements end on Friday, July 2, 2021. Employees are expected to fully return to campus, mirroring work expectations prior to mid-March 2020. As described above, all existing health and safety policies remain in effect and are subject to change as new guidance is issued. Employees must continue to complete the daily online Health Screening Form and will engage in required surveillance COVID-19 testing on campus.
As a reminder, continue to review the COVID-19/Oswego Forward website for the most updated information, announcements, and resources. Please continue to work with your supervisory staff and divisional leadership regarding the transition back to full on-campus operations. CTS will be in touch in regard to returning equipment borrowed during telecommuting.
If you have any questions, please email hr@oswego.edu or call 315-312-2230. Please visit the HR webpage for the most updated information from your Human Resources and Payroll offices.
Sincerely,
Amy Plotner
Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
Date Posted: 5/14/2021