May 20 Update on Staffing May 16 - June 30

We hope this message finds you well. We write as a follow up to the Human Resources message of April 30 where we outlined important information concerning the May 16 – June 30 time period.

Following the April 30 message, department heads, working closely with supervisors and the provost/area vice presidents, have determined if there is work available for staff members in their areas of responsibility. This includes work performed either on campus or remotely, consistent with the governor’s orders and public health guidelines. We have also reviewed alternative work assignments where there is a business need. Kenni Simons has worked with staff (and faculty) members who have self-identified as being in a high-risk category, as defined per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to discuss their options under the governor’s proclamation of April 15, 2020, which is in effect through June 12, 2020.  As always, Kenni is available at krsimons@pugetsound.edu to answer questions about possible accommodations for existing medical conditions and disabilities (or status in a high-risk category during the proclamation period).

As a result of the above, seven staff members have been fully furloughed through June 30 and 21 staff members have been partially furloughed through June 30 based on university needs during this period of modified operations. (Staff who are not regularly scheduled to work during the summer are not included in these numbers.)  Three staff members have been partially reassigned to other departments. We appreciate their willingness to provide their skills to other departments who have critical needs. The Human Resources team will continue to monitor and review requests for additional alternative assignments. 

All staff who have been fully or partially furloughed or offered alternative work assignments during this time period have been notified. If you have not been notified about a furlough or alternate work assignment, you should continue to work your regular schedule or the revised schedule approved by your supervisor. Appropriate time reporting has been explained to all staff members and their supervisors, and our Payroll staff stand ready to assist with any questions (payroll@pugetsound.edu).

The university may need to continue to adjust and refine staffing decisions for this time period based on changing university needs and as we receive updates/mandates from the governor and public health officials. We will share any additional information as it becomes available, including for the period beginning July 1.

As always, Human Resources is here to help. You may contact us at hr@pugetsound.edu at any time. Please continue to provide us with the best method to contact you and we will respond as quickly as possible. Please also continue to monitor your Puget Sound email and www.pugetsound.edu/coronavirus for further information, guidance and updates.