UConn-AAUP Update: July 21, 2020
In this Update:
- Upcoming Course Modality Deadline
- Return to Work/COVID Testing
- Faculty Reopening Town Hall
- Voluntary Salary Reduction Program
Upcoming Course Modality Deadline: Close of Business, Friday July 24, 2020
In order for the university to finalize plans for the fall semester, a deadline for informing the administration about your choice of instruction modality has been set for the end of the day on Friday, July 24, 2020. (In-person, remote learning, hybrid/blended, split, etc.) If you have not already done so, or would like to change your previously selected modality, please contact your Dean or department head by Friday, close of business.
Return to Work/COVID Testing
Effective June 24, 2020, and reposted on July 17, 2020, Governor Lamont issued travel restrictions for anyone returning from a state with a daily positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average. As of 7/14/20, there were 22 states that met the criteria. Anyone returning from one of those states is directed to self-quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. Please stay updated on any changes to this restriction as you make your return to campus.
Faculty who have been approved to be on campus or who are providing in-person instruction will be provided with COVID-19 PCR test, at no cost in accordance with state guidelines, during the period of 8/4 – 8/21 in Storrs with other dates made available to the regional campus faculty. Faculty are expected to be tested prior to returning to campus.
Faculty Reopening Town Hall 7/29/20
President Katsouleas has scheduled a Town Hall type opportunity for faculty to hear about and discuss the university’s plans and goals for reopening next month. Faculty are able to submit questions in advance via the following link: email communications@uconn.edu with the subject line:7/29 Town Hall.
Use the link to watch a live stream of the even https://www.youtube.com/uconn
If you are not able to watch the live stream, you can view a recording of the session on UConn’s YouTube page after the event.
Voluntary Salary Reduction Program (VSRP)
In a July 16, 2020 UConn Announcement, there was reference to a VSRP that enables state employees to temporarily reduce their work schedules and salary with unpaid leave. While this is normally used for faculty nearing their retirement, it can also be seen as a way of providing saving to the university during budget crisis. Members should consult the AAUP prior to fully engaging in this program and review the FAQs provided by Human Resources.
Stay Safe!
Mary Ellen Junda, President
Jeffrey Ogbar, Executive Vice President
Michael Bailey, Executive Director