Remote working update – April 1, 2020

Dear faculty and staff,

As I'm sure many of you are aware, Gov. Charlie Baker has extended school and non-essential business closures through May 4^th, due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Public universities are exempt from portions of this order so that we can facilitate remote learning and provide services to students in emergency housing. So while FSU remains open, we are following guidance for allowing employees to work remotely through at least May 4^th.

Supervisors should continue working with their staff to ensure that all those who can work remotely are doing so. We want to minimize the number of people on campus as much as we can, so that those who do need to be physically present can practice social distancing.

Because many of us will be away from campus for an extended period of time, departments should be thinking about what impact this could have on administrative items, such as sorting mail and ensuring invoices get to accounts payable.

COVID-19 remains a significant threat in Massachusetts, with some experts anticipating that the spread of the disease will plateau this month. The University is taking every precaution to protect our community. I continue to be amazed by your flexibility and creativity in managing this crisis.

Sincerely,

Javier