Coronavirus Update
Regarding Workplace Assignments, Telework and Absences Due to COVID-19–Related Events
Bowie State University and the University System of Maryland wish to promote employee, student, and community health and safety by encouraging social distancing, including self-isolation, during the presence of COVID-19 in the institution community or State of Maryland. In support of that goal, BSU will be implementing the following guidelines in accordance with the USM temporary guidance.
I. TELEWORK AND ALTERNATIVE WORK LOCATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS
Expanded use of telework during this time period is intended to reduce the number of people physically present at any location so that those who do need to be on campus can practice social distancing. BSU will permit or require telework for the following employment classifications if the employees’ duties can be accomplished via telework or they may assign an alternate work location or schedule.
- Regular faculty or staff
- Contingent II and Long Term Contractual faculty
- Contingent I and Adjunct faculty
- Student Employees to include Graduate Assistants
BSU’s Interim Policy on Teleworking outlines the procedures for employees to follow for approval and monitoring of telework. Certain common restrictions on teleworking may be waived during this emergency period. For example, a restriction on teleworking from home when caring for children or dependent adults will be waived if the employee believes they can safely telework while providing any necessary care.
Employees who are not on previously approved leave of any type and (1) are in positions that are not appropriate for telework or (2) are unable to safely telework due to the necessity to care for a child or dependent adult, may be assigned temporarily to an alternative work location or schedule, directed to use sick leave, if appropriate, or placed on administrative leave.
Graduate assistants, adjunct faculty and student employees who do not earn leave and who cannot practicably accomplish their required duties via teleworking may be assigned to an alternative work location or schedule or granted an excused absence without any loss of pay.
A. Temporary Suspension of Operations or Closure of Certain Buildings
The institution may temporarily suspend certain operations or close certain campus buildings or locations due to COVID-19 related circumstances. In that case, employees who support the suspended operation or normally are assigned to work in the closed building, may be (1) directed to report as usual; (2)directed to telework, (3) directed to work an alternative schedule or at an alternative location; or (4) placed on administrative leave.
A nonexempt employees who (1) is not on previously approved leave of any type and (2) is notified that they are required to report as usual to their regular campus location should be given the choice of receiving compensatory time or a cash equivalent payment in the amount of administrative leave granted to other employees who support that operation or work in the building or location. Any legal requirements regarding overtime eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act shall apply.
II. SICK AND ADVANCED SICK LEAVE, FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE, AND EXCUSED ABSENCE
To provide a measure of economic security to employees who cannot perform their duties because of circumstances resulting from COVID-19 illness or efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, BOR VII – 7.45 Policy on Sick and Safe Leave for Nonexempt and Exempt Staff Employees, BOR II – 2.30 Policy on Sick and Safe Leave for Faculty Members, and BOR VII – 1.40 Policy on Contingent Status Employment for Nonexempt and Exempt Staff Employees and relevant institution policies will remain in force, but temporarily may be applied as follows, until the institution determines circumstances resulting from the spread of COVID-19 have passed.
In addition to existing uses set forth in policy, sick leave and advanced sick leave (ASL) may be used for the following purposes related to COVID-19:
- Employee’s or family member’s COVID-19 illness
- Employee’s need to self-isolate or be quarantined if not ill, if employee is not able to telework from home
- Employee’s need to supervise a dependent child or dependent adult family member who needs supervision due to self-isolation, quarantine, or COVID-19-related school or daycare closure
- Employee is sent home from the workplace due to concerning symptoms or suspected COVID-19 exposure based on established standards, if employee is not able to telework from home
A. Regular Faculty and Staff
Once all other accrued leave is exhausted, up to 60 days of ASL in a calendar year (prorated by full-time equivalent, FTE) may be provided to all Regular Faculty and Staff, regardless of years of service. This means that Advanced Sick Leave (ASL) will WILL be based on your full-time equivalent status (FTE). For example, if you work 50% of the time, you will receive up to 30 days of Advanced Sick Leave (60 days X 50% = 30 days). Institutions may relax written verification requirements as necessary to accommodate practical limitations resulting from COVID-19 circumstances. ASL must be re-paid. Upon return to work, employees will be required to repay ASL at the rate of one half the rate that sick leave and annual leave are earned.
B. Contingent I and Contingent II Staff and Student Employees
Contingent I and Contingent II staff and Student Employees who accrue sick leave may be permitted to use accrued sick leave for the purposes set forth above, in addition to the uses set forth in relevant policies. Any restriction based on the total number of hours used within a particular time period may be temporarily suspended. Although advanced sick leave is not currently available to those employees, once such an employee has exhausted any available accrued leave, they may be provided up to 12 additional days of sick leave (prorated by FTE) for the purposes set forth above, if they need to be absent due to a circumstance related to COVID-19 and cannot telework for any reason. Advanced sick leave should be limited to the amount of days necessary to equal a total of 20 days (prorated by FTE), both accrued and advanced, during any single fiscal year.
C. Graduate Assistants and Adjunct Faculty
Graduate assistants and adjunct faculty who are unable to perform their duties, either in person or via telework, due to the circumstances stated above or because they have been asked to leave the premises, may be granted an excused absence without any loss of pay.
D. Family and Medical Leave
Family and medical leave should be applied as appropriate under existing policies. Institutions may relax written verification requirements to accommodate practical limitations resulting from COVID-19 circumstances.
III. STANDARD FOR DIRECTING EMPLOYEES And OTHERS TO LEAVE CAMPUS
Any employee may be asked to leave the premises in the following circumstances: they (1) are experiencing measurable coughing, shortness of breath, or fever (2) are known to have been exposed to a person reasonably believed to have been exposed to COVID-19. Alternatively, such individuals may be directed to telework, assigned an alternative work location or schedule, or placed on sick leave, ASL, administrative leave or excused absence with pay.
IV. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE
All employees and others in the campus community will be treated with sensitivity and respect regarding these measures and any other issues or actions related to COVID-19. The identities of persons directed to leave campus or suspected of possible COVID-19 exposure or infection will be protected to the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances. BSU will take measures to ensure that no member of a particular group is discriminated against or ostracized due to circumstances related to COVID-19.