New Guidance on Telecommuting and Leave Policies

Note: More recent COVID-19-related communication may supersede specific information in this announcement.

TO:         Members of the Administrative Council
FROM:  Rutgers University Office of Emergency Management
RE:          New Guidance on Telecommuting and Leave Policies
DATE:    March 12, 2020

In accordance with Rutgers’ emergency management plan filed with the State of New Jersey, President Barchi today declared a state of emergency for the university.  His action follows the declaration of a state of emergency by Governor Phil Murphy in Executive Order 103, issued on March 9, 2020.

Please know that there has been no change in circumstances or conditions here at Rutgers and that President Barchi’s declaration does not change the operating status of the University, which remains open. However, the declaration does enable the University to quickly respond to the broad issues surrounding COVID-19, to meet our moral obligation to take all reasonable actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to fully address our commitment to the staff, faculty and students at the University.

Preliminary guidance was today provided to all faculty and staff at the university regarding leave policies and telecommuting necessitated by the COVID-19 crisis. The preliminary guidance provides flexibility and relief for employees whose children attend schools that have been closed, must care for loved ones who have contracted COVID-19, who are sick themselves, or who are required to self-isolate.