Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)How do I know if I am an essential employee?
All essential employees are identified by their departments. If you are not sure of your status, ask your supervisor. Currently the Continuity of Operations Plan (“COOP”) plan for each school/unit lists essential employees in all employment categories.
Will I be paid if I am required to work when the campus is closed?
If you are a non-exempt employees who is designated as essential and must work, you have the option of requesting leave at a later time equal to the administrative leave provided to non-essential employees to cover the time the campus is closed, or pay at your straight hourly rate for the hours worked while the campus is closed.
If you are an exempt employee designated as essential, you are expected to work without additional compensation while the campus is closed.
Who determines whether the campus is closed, and when it is closed?
The President of UMB. An extended closing of the campus may be mandated by the Governor or Board of Regents; the President or designee will implement mandated closing.
Can individual schools be closed?
Yes. Campus or school closing, and the granting of administrative leave for non-essential personnel, both require the President’s action. Deans can cancel classes and grant the use of liberal leave (allowing employees to use annual, personal and holiday leave without the normal request and approval process).
Can I work from home if the campus closes?
If you are a nonexempt employee, you cannot work from home. If you are an exempt employee, you have the option of working from home with your supervisor’s prior approval.
If I have cold or flu symptoms, do I need to stay home?
Yes. It is a very good idea not to come to work if you have cold or flu symptoms. If you come to work with flu-like symptoms, your supervisor can send you home (using your own sick time or other available leave, as you choose), or you may be moved to an alternate worksite until you are no longer considered contagious or a risk to your co-workers, patients or students. Please do not come to work while you are sick. CDC guidelines may help you determine when to stay home and when to return to work.
Will I still get paid if I am forced to stay home with flu symptoms even though I have exhausted all of my leave time?
If you have exhausted all leave time, advanced sick leave, at the employing department’s discretion, may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
If a co-worker has flu-like symptoms, should I wear protective clothing, i.e., masks and gloves?
Masks and gloves are not usually required unless you will be dealing directly with infected patients. If you work in an area and situations where personal protective clothing and equipment is required because of potential exposure, these items will be available to you. Check with EH&S if you are unsure.
If the campus closes, will I be able to get my check? I have direct deposit. Will my pay be deposited if the campus closes?
If the campus or the College Park campus is closed during a pay week, you should be able to get your pay check if you have Direct Deposit. If you do not have Direct Deposit, we will not be able to distribute checks when the campus is closed due to a pandemic.
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