Return to the Workplace

Phased Staffing

The return to work on campus for Marist College will conform to all guidelines and policies outlined in New York State’s “New York Forward” Reopening Plan and will be carefully controlled and coordinated to ensure appropriate physical distancing and availability of PPE and to reduce potential risks and ensure the safety of the entire College community. In consultation with the relevant personnel, the decision process has taken into consideration mission-critical operations, the ability to manage specific work environments, and the need to access on-site resources in determining which work must be conducted on campus and which can be done at home. To ensure that their return to campus is as safe as possible, individuals whose work is being done remotely will only return to campus when notified by their leadership that it is appropriate to do so. Those who return to campus in any capacity must follow the prevention guidelines outlined in the College’s Guide to Returning to Work, which is available, and also posted on the Human Resources website. The current plan is to return staff to campus in three steps, which align with the New York Forward Reopening Plan. Accommodations will be made for those with medical conditions who are unable to return to campus and need to continue working remotely.

 

• Step 1: Those whose jobs can only be performed on campus. (Currently in progress)
  • On-campus employees critical to the operations of the College or as permitted by New York Forward Phase 1
  • Population density restrictions will be enforced.
• Step 2: Increase the numbers of those reporting to campus. (Est. July 15)
  • As permitted by New York Forward Phases 2-4, additional staff will be permitted to return.
• Step 3: Continue to increase the numbers of those reporting to campus.
  • Telework will continue to be utilized where possible. (Est. August 3)
  • Faculty and staff who do not need to be onsite to perform their job functions may be able to return to campus when their line executives conclude it is safe and desirable to do so.

What to Expect

Staffing Options

As staffing on-campus increases and operations expand, the College will closely monitor and assess the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, as well as existing policies and procedures to mitigate it. 

Remote Work: Those who can work remotely to fulfill some or all of their work responsibilities may be instructed to continue to do so to reduce the number of individuals on campus and mitigate the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.  These arrangements, whether on a full or partial-day/week schedule, as appropriate, must be approved by the area line executive.

Alternating Days: In order to limit the number of individuals and interactions among those on campus, departments may schedule partial staffing on alternating days.  Such schedules are intended to enable social distancing, especially in areas with large common workspaces. 

Staggered Reporting/Departing: The beginning and end of the workday typically bring many people together at common entry/exit points of buildings.  You may be asked to stagger your reporting and departure times by at least 30 minutes to reduce traffic in common areas to meet social distancing requirements.

Accommodations for At-Risk Community Members

The College recognizes that there may be faculty, administrators, and staff who are required to return to work on campus, but who may not be able to do so.  Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible and collaborative in an effort to identify solutions that will meet both the staff needs and the needs of the department.  Marist is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for faculty, administrators and staff who may be at-risk for contracting COVID-19. Where feasible, this may include remote instruction and/or work, or modifications to campus workspace.  Individuals who have been instructed to return to work on-campus and have concerns about doing so due to a medical condition should contact Eva Jackson, Director of Employee and Labor Relations, at eva.jackson@marist.edu as soon as feasible.  The Request for Accommodation Form can be accessed on the myMarist portal under the HR tab.     

Employees who are unable to return to work on campus for any other reason besides illness should also submit a request for an accommodation.  The Request Form can be accessed on the myMarist portal under the HR tab.  Personal leave requests will be reviewed and approved on a case-by case basis relative to operational needs and applicable laws (e.g. American’s with Disabilities Act) and will be approved or denied at the sole discretion of the College.  Personal leaves that are approved may be granted in increments of 30-days and require the use of accrued, but unused paid time off.  

Modified Fall Academic and Holiday Calendars

After careful consideration for the overall health and the safety of the Marist community, an altered Fall 2020 schedule has been established. In-person courses will run from Monday, August 24 to Tuesday, November 24. Classes will continue November 30–December 4 online, with final exams taking place December 7–11. There is a clear health rationale for these changes. Many epidemiologists are predicting a surge in COVID-19 cases in early December, which also coincides with the annual flu season. By ending the on-campus portion of the fall semester at Thanksgiving, we will eliminate the health risks of students traveling all across the country and then returning to campus. Holding classes on Saturdays and canceling the fall break discourages travel, again minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus.

To further prevent potential spread and support the academic calendar, the College has moved its traditional College holidays to the following:

November 26-27	Thanksgiving - Holiday Observed
December 24	Christmas Eve Day – Holiday Observed
December 25	Christmas Day – Holiday Observed
December 28	Labor Day – Holiday Observed
December 29	Indigenous Peoples' Day – Holiday Observed
December 30	Election Day – Holiday Observed
December 31	New Year’s Eve Day – Holiday Observed
January 1	New Year’s Day – Holiday Observed

Contact Information and Resources

Office of Human Resources

Amanda Zarrelli, Benefits Specialist, Amanda.Zarrelli@marist.edu
Eva Jackson, Director of Employee & Labor Relations, Eva.Jackson@marist.edu
Christina Daniele, Vice President for Human Resources, Christina.Daniele@marist.edu

Inquiries specifically related to COVID-19 can also be sent to HRCOVID@marist.edu.

Office of Safety and Security

Marcel Cekuta, Contact Tracing Coordinator, Marcel.Cekuta@marist.edu
Al Abdelrahman, Associate Director for Safety and Security, Al.Abdelrahman@marist.edu
John Blaisdell, Director of Safety and Security, John.Blaisdell@marist.edu

Physical Plant

Justin Butwell, Director of Physical Plant, Justin.Butwell@marist.edu
Kim Bodendorf, Assoc. Director of Physical Plant (Housekeeping & Grounds), Kim.Bodendorf@marist.edu
Jesse Hewitt, Assoc. Director of Physical Plant (Mechanical Services), Jesse.Hewitt@marist.edu