The university will do its best to ensure that changes to our operations caused by the coronavirus will not impact our existing commitments to pay and continue benefits for our employees. At this time, we will honor existing commitments for our benefits-eligible faculty and staff for the foreseeable future. This will include staff paid from grants, in compliance with federal guidance. These policies will be revisited as the situation evolves.
If you are a benefits-eligible staff member who is healthy and able to work, but no alternative work or assignments are available for you to perform, the university will provide emergency paid time off through April 17. Please speak with your manager and contact the Office of Human Resources for guidance.
We do not anticipate any changes in our benefit programs at this time.
Please review the benefit summary provided by Tufts Health plan for complete details.
Benefits-eligible staff who have been directed by a doctor or state or federal agency to self-quarantine or self-isolate because they are sick with COVID-19, or are caring for a qualified dependent who is self-quarantining or self-isolating because they are sick with COVID-19, will receive 10 work days of paid time. This paid time will be provided up front and before the use of any accrued and unused time off. If you feel well enough to work remotely and telework is available to you, you are not prohibited from working remotely.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued information regarding symptoms, prevention and treatment as well as a number of other frequently asked questions and answers.
Those who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should immediately contact their health care provider and follow the provider’s guidelines. Employees who have come in contact with individuals who are known positives, and the individual displays symptoms of COVID-19, should immediately seek medical testing. Those who are advised to self-isolate or self-quarantine should immediately inform their supervisor or manager as well as the Office of Human Resources.
There are several resources you can take advantage of:
Brandeis has an employee assistance plan that provides confidential counseling by calling 800-828-6025 or visiting the New Directions website (company code is "Brandeis University").
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified groups of people who are high risk for serious illness from COVID-19. Employees who are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions are urged to consult their physician about steps they can take to protect their health.
If you have concerns about your current role as a high risk individual, please work with your manager and the Office of Human Resources to determine if a temporary change in job location, hours, assignment or duties are possible, or if other protective measures to reduce your exposure to others or chances of being infected are necessary. You may be required to provide medical documentation to the Office of Human Resources so that the university may better understand your restrictions and how to best help you perform the functions of your role. Contact the Office of Human Resources' employee relations unit if you have specific questions or need guidance in this area.
Brandeis has permission to continue to provide the services needed by our students remaining on campus, per the governor's order allowing essential employees to continue their work:
Educators and staff supporting public and private emergency childcare programs, residential schools for students with disabilities, K-12 schools, colleges and universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning, provision of school meals or performing other essential student support functions, if operating under rules for social distancing.
The university will remain open and will continue to offer many services virtually. However, essential staff will remain on campus to provide services in support of distance learning, the provision of meals for students on campus or other essential student support functions, as well as research animal care and safe operation of critical equipment.
Each is summarized below:
As we move most employees to work remotely, a limited number of employees will be notified that they must work on site. Some staff may need to take on different responsibilities as we experience service reductions in limited areas of the campus. If you have not been told to report to work on site and do not have a remote work-from-home plan approved by your manager, please contact your manager immediately.
Yes. Managers and staff should work together to identify flexible work arrangements (where applicable) that allow for continuity of department operations. Staff not designated as essential should be teleworking at this time. In limited cases, the department may use rotational schedules for staff.
Care for your own health. Stay at home if you are not feeling well with symptoms for any illness, and be sure to contact your manager. If you begin to feel ill at work, inform your manager or staff and leave as soon as possible.
Faculty or staff in a university collective bargaining unit must follow the requirements in the collective bargaining agreement regarding benefits, time off and workplace flexibility. Please talk with your manager if you have questions or need guidance in any of these areas.
The university values the work and contributions of our student workers. If you have questions or concerns about this group or a specific student worker in your area, please talk to your dean or senior leader.
Employees may not bring children or elders to work with them, even if they are well.
The Brandeis campus is still accessible if you need to get your laptop or other necessary materials. Please bring your employee ID card, as many buildings require card access.
Yes, please review the March 13 guidance and March 23 guidance pages on the Brandeis Coronavirus website, and the COVID-19 pay and time-off scenarios on the Office of Human Resources website.
The Office of Human Resources is working virtually and can be reached by calling the main number at 781-736-4474 or by email at humanresources@brandeis.edu. Individual staff members may be contacted by accessing our department staff list.
Viruses don’t discriminate: COVID-19 is not associated with any race, ethnicity or nationality. It is vital that our community work to combat discrimination based on racial bias or appearances, and to correct misinformation. Concerns can be brought to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Yes, there are many professional training and development opportunities available online. We encourage you to work with your manager to identify and avail yourself of the following resources:
We understand the importance of attracting talent to the university and having the appropriate number of faculty and staff to support our mission. Included below are important considerations to help support your recruiting needs:
If you have questions or need assistance with your hiring needs, please contact human resources.
The following resources are available to you if you have specific questions or concerns: