Dear Howard University Employees,

Providing a healthy and safe workplace is a top priority for Howard University particularly during the complex, COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, we are implementing an Emergency Telework Procedure to maintain business continuity as our student's continue their semester in the virtual learning environment. This is an emergency policy that will take effect on Monday, March 23, 2020 and will be re-assessed on March 30th.

NOTE: Implementation of any future telework will be at the discretion of the University. 

Eligibility

This procedure will be in effect for regular full-time and part-time, non-faculty, non-essential and non-student employees. 

Emergency Telework Procedure

Beginning Monday, March 23, the university is moving to a virtual learning environment for our students and, subsequently operating within an emergency telework environment. These important steps are being implemented to minimize the possible transmission of COVID-19 and promote the best practice of social distancing. In support of the fluidity surrounding efforts to combat the COVID-19, we are encouraging telework for non-essential Staff for an extended period to be communicated by the University. 

More detailed information about the telework procedure will be provided over the course of the next week including a list of essential employees who are not eligible for telework. If your department/role is listed on the essential employee list you are expected to report to campus as usual on Monday, March 23. It is important to note eligibility may change as conditions warrant.

In order to transition to remote work, please work with your managers to ensure access to ensure remote connectivity.

Essential items include:

• Laptop
• Email Access
• Data Connectivity
• Call Forwarding
• Essential Documents
• Database Access

ETS has provided guidance on Establishing Remote Access which can be viewed via this link.

Telecommuting Guidelines

• Telecommuters are expected to adhere to University rules, regulations, policies and procedures regarding security and confidentiality.
• Telework must take place during Howard University operating hours in accordance with the Howard University Employee Handbook. All exceptions must be approved in writing by managers.
• You are required to be available during telecommute hours to supervisors, co-workers and others for HU business. This includes frequents checking and responding to any voicemails, Skype messages, phone calls, and/or email messages.
• Complying with any other office requirements, such as changing voicemail messages to include instruction on how you may be reached during established work hours, etc.
• Ensuring that appropriate time is entered into the University’s time and attendance system or timely reporting time and attendance to his/her supervisor or manager.
• Managers may implement additional telework parameters at their discretion with 24 hour written notice to the employee.
• Managers are responsible for ensuring staff accountability for hours worked and determining if work output is acceptable for hours worked.
• Leadership reserves the right to edit, adapt or terminate this procedure at any time.

Leave

All employees must still request annual leave in writing at least 5 days in advance and sick leave prior to scheduled reporting time. An employee may not take leave until the leave request has been approved by their manager. All managers, supervisors and employees are expected to request, approve, report and use leave in accordance with the guidelines outlined within the  Howard University Employee Handbook.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Larry A. Callahan, MA
Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer