Dear Howard University Community,

I write to share additional updates and resources that may be useful in this moment of heightened anxiety and concern.  My team and I are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and a spirit of transparency as each day brings new developments of relevance to us all.

Yesterday, federal guidance on the need for social/physical distancing was extended through April 30, 2020. 

Today, Governors Larry Hogan, Ralph Northam and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser implemented Stay-At-Home Orders for Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, respectively. Beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, Marylanders may only leave their homes for essential work, to get food or prescriptions. The ban also includes restrictions on traveling outside of the state and riding on public transportation. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser released a similar Stay-At-Home Order for the Commonwealth and the District this afternoon. I thank you in advance for your adherence to these guidelines which are designed to help curb the spread of the virus and protect our family, friends and neighbors. 

Governor Hogan states the additional measures are necessary given the concern that the virus could hinder the federal government’s ability to respond to the crisis due to the concentration of the workforce in the state and the possibility it could spread to “literally thousands” of facilities in Maryland, including hospitals, detention centers and nursing homes. 

Howard University will adhere to the DMV orders; we will no longer be able to grant additional requests for access to campus. Our employees mostly travel to Howard from the Greater DMV area. Providing a healthy and safe workplace is the top priority for Howard University, particularly during this complex, COVID-19 spread. We have fully implemented the Emergency Telework Procedure to maintain business continuity as our students continue their semester in a virtual learning environment. Again, this procedure will continue into the foreseeable future or until we deem a change is necessary. The University will remain closed through April 30, 2020 as a result of the stay at home orders.

Telecommuting Guidelines

We are reiterating these 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, Zoom Conferences, Microsoft Team meetings, 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.

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

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.

My administration will continue to work to ensure that the measures that we are implementing remain in line with the instructions from the local and federal authorities.  

Health Insurance

Our partners at Cigna have dropped co-pays and waived out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing related visits whether at a doctor’s office, urgent care clinic, emergency room or via telehealth through May 31, 2020.  They have also established a 24-hour toll free helpline (1-866-912-1687) to connect individuals directly with qualified clinicians who can provide support and guidance.  For more information regarding your benefits and coverage you may also visit my.cigna.com


Financial Outlook

The financial circumstances of the University have changed dramatically and cannot be ignored.  Howard University was included in the congressional stimulus bill that will bring additional federal assistance.  While these funds will certainly help they do not erase the significant deficit inflicted on the University by the pandemic and subsequent closure of the campus.  Falling revenues and collections activity demand that my team and I continue to carefully review the budget and prepare to take prudent actions necessary to protect the institution.  

On Saturday, the Board of Trustees approved a set of measures to provide additional financial support to our faculty and staff and will result in refunds to more than 90% of students receiving room and board services at the University.  Despite the challenging financial circumstances the University now finds itself in, we are committed to doing all we responsibly can to support our community through this moment of crisis. 


Mental Heath Services

We realize that the past several weeks has been stressful to our students, faculty and staff. If you would like to access mental health services, the student telehealth mental health provider is "Healthiest You". Please contact them at telehealth4students.com, or via phone at 855-870-5858.

Additionally, Optum has opened its Emotional-Support Help Line, providing access to specially trained mental health specialists to support people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress following the recent developments around COVID-19. Optum’s toll-free help line number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone.

As I have said since the outset, we all must continue to be guided by care and concern for others and prepared to make sacrifices now that will benefit us in the long run.  There will be difficult days ahead, yet I remain firmly convinced that the true Bison spirit of compassion and “equanimity under duress” will see us through this challenge. 

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
President