Information for Employees

For a Safe and Healthy Tiger Nation:

For Spring 2021, the University will continue to operate within Phase Three of its Re-Opening Plan, which began on August 1 and has continued through the Fall semester.  This means that the University will continue to require the fundamental health and safety practices from the Fall. While the other plans, policies, and protocols outlined in this document largely mirror those outlined in the Phase Three Plan distributed for Fall, some changes have been made in an effort to clarify policies and reflect the latest conditions and practices. As always, these plans, policies, and protocols related to COVID-19 are supplemental to other University policies and procedures and remain subject to change based on the latest conditions and guidance.

Returning to work

Making sure you are ready to return to work

All faculty and staff who have been instructed to return to the workplace should conduct a personal wellness check each day prior to coming to campus. The University has developed a  Personal Wellness Check tool as a resource for you to use when conducting your personal wellness check. The wellness check is a way for employees to check for any symptoms that could possibly be related to COVID-19. There is no need for you to report your results to anyone, rather, just practice personal responsibility so we may each safeguard our health, as well as the health of those we come into contact with.

Use of Face Coverings in the Workspace and Across the University

General Rule: When present on University property, all employees, students, and visitors must wear face coverings over their mouths and noses when in common areas of a building (including hallways, elevators, public spaces, classrooms, conference rooms, and other common areas), and when within six (6) feet of another individual anywhere on University property. If you are alone in your office or personal workspace and are able to socially distance, or if you are outside and can socially distance, you may remove your face covering.

Exceptions: Students in their residence hall rooms and individuals while participating in activities in which a face covering cannot be worn or would prohibit respiratory function (like eating, drinking, or playing sports). Additionally, employees and students with a recognized disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering can contact the Human Resources office (if an employee) or Student Accessibility Services (if a student) to discuss possible accommodations and the appropriate documentation process.

Basic Ground Rules: We ask that employees, students, and visitors provide their own face coverings, but the University will have a supply available to provide to those that do not have one. Individual supervisors and faculty members should offer University provided face coverings to those who do not have one and make an initial effort to educate and hold employees and students accountable within their respective areas.

Enforcement and Additional Guidance: Complaints concerning violations of this policy by faculty, staff, or visitors should be reported to Human Resources, and complaints concerning violations of this policy by students should be reported to Student Affairs. Individuals may utilize the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concern Reporting form for this purpose. Additional guidance and best practices information concerning face coverings are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Scheduling Campus Events this Fall

Departments, organizations/committees/groups, and individuals responsible for planning or assisting in the planning of University-sponsored or hosted events on University property or off site need to continue to ensure that the fundamental health and safety requirements set forth herein, as well as any state or local requirements concerning mass gatherings or other public health measures, are incorporated into their event planning and implementation processes. While a gradual increase in approved on-campus events is anticipated, all events remain subject to prior approval by vice presidents and any additional University-required health and safety guidelines applicable to the event. Event hosts and sponsors may continue to utilize the Operational Area Re-Opening template (for department-level event planning) and the Event Planning Guide  (for university-level event planning) for purposes of submitting plans to vice presidents for approval.

Requests from third parties to utilize University facilities for events or activities shall be directed to the appropriate facility manager, who can coordinate with others at the University and the third parties involved concerning space availability, University health and safety guidelines, and any other relevant policies or procedures relating to the event or activity. The Event Planning Guide and approval process referenced above should generally be utilized for these types of events and activities as well.

Planning associated with “large” events like those associated with FHSU Athletics and Spring Commencement will continue to be guided by local conditions and, in the case of Athletics, in particular, guidance or restrictions provided by the MIAA conference or NCAA.

Travel

For the time being, requests for University-sponsored travel will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case and mission critical (or “essential travel”) basis, with advance approval by vice presidents required. While a gradual increase in approved travel is anticipated, any proposed University travel to areas identified as high risk by CDC or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will be subject to a higher level of scrutiny. For any approved travel, cancellation policies must be considered and generally used when booking travel requiring hotel or air travel. Employees shall continue to follow CDC, KDHE, and any local health department travel/quarantine guidelines and mandates, including in their personal travel. Employees are responsible for checking the latest guidelines and mandates issued by KDHE posted on the KDHE website , and should understand the risks and be ready to take appropriate leave in the event they engage in personal travel to high-risk areas.

Everyday Health and Safety Precautions

Below are the baseline behaviors we will need from our entire university community to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are FAQ's that may be helpful as we navigate these uncertain times as a result of the coronavirus.

Spring 2021 FAQ'S

• Spring 2021 Academic Planning
• Spring 2021 Residential Life
• Spring 2021 Student Activities
• General Health and Safety
• Student Employment

COVICD-19 INFORMATION FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES  

• FEMA  (including   rumor control  information)
• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
  Kansas Department of Health and Environment (including  Family Action Plan)
• Ellis County Health Department
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• U.S. Department of Education