Returning to campus FAQ

May 3, 2021

Q: How was the decision made to return to on-campus work?

A: A return to campus is crucial for both the student and employee experience. With this in mind, college leaders believe it is necessary to start preparations for students to return to an in-person schedule for the fall. In order to do this, we must begin the process of employees returning to on-campus work as well. 

Q: What PPE will be provided to protect employees?

A: A variety of safety supplies, including reusable masks, hand sanitizer, and face shields, is available for employees. Those who need them are encouraged to stop by the Office of Human Resources during regular business hours to pick them up.

Q: What is the timeline for returning fully to on-campus work?

A: For employees who have not been working full-time on campus, the return to full-time work with a full-time physical presence on Augustana’s campus will start on June 1, 2021, and be fully implemented by Aug. 1, 2021.

Supervisors will determine when full-time attendance is beneficial to the department within the June 1 to August 1 timeframe. The dates above may be delayed by the cabinet if required by public health officials.

Prior to June 1, employees not currently working on campus may be required to work on campus if their presence is necessary, in the view of the supervisor, to adequately provide services.

Q: What if I’m not ready to return fully to on-campus work?

A: The college will be making few exceptions to requests for continued remote work. Employees who would like to request an Americans with Disabilities accommodation are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resources prior to June 1. The college will work directly with the employee to determine what accommodations may be available.

Q: Will the college continue to allow flexibility for caregiver responsibilities?

A: Yes, between June 1 and Aug. 1, if there are caregiver responsibilities and alternative arrangements cannot be made. Approval by the supervisor and relevant vice president will be required. This exception will end on Aug. 2.

Q: Do I have the ability to recall my employees to full on-campus work prior to Aug. 1.

A: Yes, supervisors should start communicating return to on-campus work expectations with their employees now. Supervisors are encouraged to determine their specific departmental workforce needs necessary to meet the demands of business. Therefore, some departments may need to operate fully in person prior to Aug. 1. 

Q: How should I handle requests for continued remote work?

A: Supervisors will have the ability to accommodate remote work requests through Aug. 1, should they choose to do so. If it is in the best interest of the department to discontinue remote work, supervisors are encouraged to decline the request and communicate a firm return to work date. After Aug. 1 all employees are required to return to full in-person work. Exceptions may be made through a formal ADA request which will be determined by Human Resources. 

Q: Can employees refuse to return to work for fear of contracting the virus?

A: No. Supervisors should share Augustana’s mitigation efforts and safeguards that are in place to assist with protecting community members from contracting and spreading the virus. Ultimately, employees who refuse to return to work and have not been provided an ADA accommodation will be jeopardizing their employment with the college. 

Q: As a supervisor, can I show flexibility in employee scheduling?

A: Yes, but within reason. We understand that situations will arise that may require employees to take unplanned time away from work which is why paid time off (PTO) is available. In most cases employees will need to request time off in advance. When unplanned time away occurs it is ultimately up to the discretion of the supervisor if the time can be made up or if PTO should be used. 

In order to assist supervisors with decision-making, consider the following for the use of PTO:

• Emergencies and illness that require an employee to leave work and not return the same day.

• Planned doctors’ appointments for self or family.

• Approved vacation days.

In most cases, unpaid time off will not be approved.