Return to Campus Plan
Overview and Recommendation
Over the past several weeks, the staff working group has met to identify guiding principles and operational concerns for returning to in-person work and recommendations for SSW’s fall plan. During this time, conversations have shifted with state and federal authorities relaxing COVID-19 related restrictions and recommendations. In large part, this is due to the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination and the decline in cases nationwide. The state of Michigan’s COVID-19 restrictions are expected to be rescinded on July 1st. Similarly, the CDC’s updated May guidance reads, “Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws...and workplace guidance.”
Although University guidance has not yet changed drastically, the group assumes that it will. With most COVID-19 related health orders rescinded at the state level on July 1st, there will likely not be University level restrictions or guidance related to space usage that impacts returning to in-person work. If this is indeed the case, the group recommends the adoption of a formal flexible work policy informed by our guiding principles and a phased return starting on July 26th with a full return to new work schedules the week of August 2nd.
- SSW Policy on Flexible Work Arrangements for Staff
- Return to Campus Guiding Principles
- Draft Return to Campus Timeline
Alternatives and Planning for the Unknown
If University guidance does not change and space usage constraints impact SSW plans, the recommendation is to allow for more flexibility for those in shared spaces. This includes increased telecommuting beyond what is recommended in the flexible work policy, alternative space assignments, and efficient use of space in the SSW Building as ‘hoteling’ spaces as needed.
If there is a drastic increase in cases due to variants or other unforeseen circumstances, plans will be adjusted accordingly, using our guiding principles for direction.