Resources for Employees

Resources for Employees

Latest Updates

  • January - FEB
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • Thu., March 10, 2022

    COVID-19 Cases, Dashboard – March x, 2022


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    The following excerpt from President Smith's March x bulletin to campus pertains to the University's response to the pandemic:

    COVID-xix Cases, Dashboard

    The number of COVID-xix cases involving students and employees has declined for the eighth consecutive calendar week. In the seven days catastrophe March 8, the University administered 624 COVID-19 tests that resulted in two positive cases, for a positivity charge per unit of 0.32%. A total of 9 positive cases were confirmed during this catamenia. TheUniversity's COVID-19 Dashboardcontinues to add updated data, including the high vaccination rates among our students, faculty and staff. Free COVID-19 testing remains available at the campusTesting Center.

    If the University continues to experience a depression number of cases over the next calendar week, at that place will be renewed consideration of modifying some of our COVID-19 protocols. Nosotros need to become past the two-week period following the return from spring interruption to determine if there is any significant increase in cases. Equally we get to the end of side by side week, we should have a clearer picture. Please proceed to follow your campus email for updates.

    [The consummate message, which includes information on Undergraduate Symposium, Amazon Career Choice, Campus Vote Project, and Eastern Excellence, can exist plant on the President's Office website.]

  • Thu., Feb. ten, 2022

    COVID-19 Cases, Dashboard – February. 10, 2022


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    The following excerpt from President Smith'due south Feb. 10 bulletin to campus pertains to the University'south response to the pandemic:

    COVID-19 Cases, Dashboard

    For the fourth consecutive week the number of COVID-19 cases involving students and employees has declined. In the vii days catastrophe Feb. eight, the University administered 847 COVID-nineteen tests that resulted in xviii positive cases, for a positivity rate of ii.13%. A total of 48 positive cases were confirmed during this period. Delight visit the Academy's COVID-19 Dashboard to larn more than. Other than the sometime fasten in cases immediately post-obit the holiday break, campus positivity rates remain extremely low. Vaccination information for students and employees is also posted on the site.

    A reminder that free COVID-nineteen testing is available at the campus Testing Eye. And, the Academy volition host another community vaccination clinic on Sabbatum, Feb. 19, from 10 a.k. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. No date is necessary.

    Wellness and Safety Reminder

    As we caput into the weekend, it is important to reiterate some of the primal safety protocols we should follow:

    • Practice effective manus washing and the utilize of hand sanitizers;
    • Habiliment face coverings, particularly when indoors in public areas;
    • Observe physical distancing; and,
    • Get vaccinated (or boosted) if yous are eligible.

    These actions, when taken together, dramatically reduce the risk of contracting COVID-nineteen. And, vaccination minimizes the severity of cases in most situations, for those who do contract the virus.

    Every bit always, I thank you for your piece of work on behalf of the Academy and your ongoing support of our #EMUSafe initiatives. Please continue to monitor your University e-mail for futurity updates.

    James Smith, Ph.D.

    [The complete bulletin, which includes data on Black History Month, the Irresolute the Cycle programme and PBS NewsHour coverage of EMU'south efforts to resettle Afghan Refugees, tin be plant on the President'southward Part website.]

  • Thu., Jan. 27, 2022

    Campus Update – Jan. 27, 2022


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    The post-obit is an extract of President Smith's Jan. 27 message to campus as it pertains to the University'southward response to the pandemic:

    To the Eastern Michigan University customs,

    Fortunately, we are beginning to see a slight decline in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country and nation over the record numbers from early January. Researchers are hopeful the latest wave has reached its noon. We are by no means out of the danger zone or at a point where we can balance on whatsoever successes, as case counts and hospitalizations remain very high.

    As they have throughout the pandemic, the case numbers at Eastern Michigan University continue to boilerplate far beneath the region, state and nation. We believe this is directly attributable to our robust plans and policies to mitigate the spread of the illness in our customs.

    COVID-19 Cases, Dashboard , and Mitigation Efforts

    For the second consecutive week, the number of COVID-nineteen cases involving students and employees has declined. Delight visit theAcademy's COVID-19 Dashboardto learn more than.

    Testing Center Extended Hours

    The University's on-campus Testing Center has expanded its hours to include boosted early on-morning and evening appointments for employees and students to receive a complimentary COVID-19 examination on campus. Visit theTesting Eye websitefor details.

    Employee Vaccination/Testing Policy Underway

    The University's mandatory vaccination/testingpolicyfor employees is underway. We're pleased to report that since the policy was implemented, the number of regular employees who take reported that they are vaccinated has increased to xc.two% (up from 88.2% two weeks ago). This information is also reflected on the bottom of the dashboard. The remaining ix.eight% of employees who are either unvaccinated or who have not reported their condition, volition undergo weekly testing until such time that they certificate they are vaccinated.

    Student Vaccination Policies

    Students who live in on-campus housing, student-athletes, and students who participate incertain academic programs are required to exist vaccinated against COVID-nineteen.All other studentswith any in-person courses or who participate in on-campus activities must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly COVID-nineteen testing.

    Face up Masks Required Indoors

    Reminder: All individuals (regardless of vaccination status) must wear face masks indoors withlimited exceptions. Learn moreabout the Academy's face mask policy and best practices for wearing face masks.

    The Academy is providing gratis KN95 masks (up to ii per person) and/or costless EMU-branded three-layer green or white surgical masks to employees and students who desire 1. Masks are available at the following locations:

    • Student Heart Information Desk (900 Oakwood)
    • Section of Public Prophylactic Headquarters forepart desk (1200 Oakwood), and

    Health experts also strongly recommend utilizing the "Knot & Tuck" method for wearing a face mask. Information technology is shown to increase filtration by 21%. Watch this 50-secondvideo demonstration of the "Knot & Tuck"method to larn more than.

    Educatee and Employee Wellness

    The University's Safe Return Steering Committee had a robust give-and-take this morning about the level of trauma, despair and feet caused by the COVID-xix pandemic and its impact on students and employees. The deep level of concern expressed among Committee members reflects observations in classes and in workspaces, both on campus and remote. The emotional challenges that many are experiencing are exacerbated by the length of the pandemic and the ongoing changes in guidelines and protocols that are necessary equally a event of the variant strains of the virus.

    With awareness of this extremely challenging environment, I implore you to be kind to 1 another, respect one some other, and support one another. Be sensitive and empathetic to the difficulties that your friends and colleagues may exist facing at school, at work and at home. If you are a educatee, I encourage you to apply the resources ofCounseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). If you are an employee, please consider contacting theEmployee Help Programme (EAP).

    Next Vaccine Clinic scheduled Feb. 19

    The side by side community COVID-19 vaccine opportunity volition take place on Sat, Feb. nineteen, from 10 a.m. to three:30 p.m., in the Student Heart Ballroom. The dispensary is open to all persons 12 years of age and up, and no date is needed. Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson will be available. Booster shots, as well as first or second round doses, will be provided. For booster shots, individuals must bring their vaccine card or an image of their vaccine card on their cell phone.

    Vaccinations are besides offered at the Campus Medical Chemist's located inside the IHA Wellness Center @EMU. For boosted details, please contact the pharmacy at 734.547.5995.

    Health and Safety Reminder

    Given the still high numbers of positive cases of COVID-19, it'southward important to reiterate some of the key safety protocols we should follow:

    • Practice constructive hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers;
    • Wear face up coverings, peculiarly when indoors in public areas;
    • Observe physical distancing; and,
    • Get vaccinated (or boosted) if you are eligible.

    These deportment, when taken together, dramatically reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. And, vaccination minimizes the severity of cases in almost situations, for those who do contract the virus.

    As always, I thank you lot for your piece of work on behalf of the University and your ongoing back up of our #EMUSafe initiatives. Please continue to monitor your Academy electronic mail for time to come updates.

    James Smith, Ph.D.

    [See the President's Office page to view the full message.]

  • Thu., Jan. 20, 2022

    Regular class schedule get-go Jan. 24, 2022 – posted Jan. 20, 2022


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    To the Eastern Michigan Academy customs:

    Adjacent calendar week (beginning Monday, January. 24, 2022), we will return to our regular grade schedule for the winter semester.

    I appreciate the flexibility and patience of students, faculty, and staff during the last 2 weeks while nosotros temporarily shifted to remote learning.

    Winter Course Schedule

    Our ii-week deviation from the regular winter form schedule was designed to let our internal systems (EMU Telehealth Clinic, our on-campus COVID-xix Testing Center, the Dean of Students Office, etc.) to manage the expected increase in COVID-19 cases following the vacation break. Indeed, cases of COVID-xix increased as expected, merely case counts are now failing.

    As we resume the regular winter semester course schedule, information technology bears reminding that we have zero documented cases of transmission of COVID-19 in classrooms thanks to our highly-effective EMU Condom protocols. Those protocols include:

    • Mandatory face up masks indoors regardless of vaccination status;
    • Required COVID PASS daily health screening of every person who comes to campus;
    • Physical distancing in classrooms;
    • Costless rapid COVID-19 testing at our on-campus Testing Center; and
    • Mandatory vaccination and vaccination-or-testing for students and employees.

    COVID-19 Vaccines Are Effective

    The data continue to exist clear: For those who are eligible, COVID-xix vaccines are safe, effective in reducing manual of COVID-19, and effective in reducing the bear upon on those who exercise contract COVID-19. The vast majority of individuals who are hospitalized for COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Vaccination is our collective path to returning to "normal".

    If you take already been vaccinated, give thanks you! Equally a next step, please receive a COVID-nineteen booster shot equally presently as possible. If you are not vaccinated, delight do and then as soon as possible. There are numerous opportunities to receive a vaccine (including booster shots) on-campus and off-campus.

    Additional Updates for Non-Instructional Staff

    Staff members who had been working a modified remote schedule during the by 2 weeks should return to their typical schedules consequent with any approved departmental flexible work and operational excellence plans. Supervisors are responsible for communicating expectations to employees that are consistent with these plans.

    The ongoing dedication of our faculty, staff, and customs to adhering to EMU Safe protocols and working together to ensure a rubber campus accept served our students and our colleagues very well throughout the many challenges of the global pandemic. Your ongoing commitment will go on to assist u.s. best serve our mission to support pupil learning as we motion forward together.

    James Smith, Ph.D.

  • Fri., Jan. 14, 2022

    Campus Update – January. 14, 2022

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    The post-obit is an excerpt of the Jan. 14, 2022 message to campus that pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic:

    To the Eastern Michigan University community,

    Welcome to 2022 and the start week of the winter semester. I empathise our remote get-go to the semester is non what any of us had planned as 2021 concluded, only the volatility of COVID-19 again reared its unsafe head with a new variant and an explosion of new cases. As I take promised since the start of the pandemic, Eastern Michigan University is committed to moving quickly to arrange our multi-layered safety protocols equally events dictate. And this latest surge in cases – locally, statewide, and across the country – is certainly such an event. This is a key factor in our decision, announced before this week, to extend remote learning for an boosted week through Jan. 23. New information emerges each day about this variant'southward transmissibility and potential differences in symptoms and severity from past infections. Nosotros will keep monitoring and adapting to what's learned. We volition stay focused on the safety of our shared spaces and take necessary measures to ensure it through our policies and practices. Thank you to all for your support of these public health measures.

    COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts

    • Mandatory testing of not-vaccinated employees to begin: EMU's policy that all employees must be vaccinated or tested weekly remains in result.This policy was outlined in detail last month. Yesterday's U.S. Supreme Courtroom decision that OSHA does not have authorisation to require employers to impose a policy of this nature does not bear upon EMU's institutionalpolicy The Courtroom has immune public employers such as EMU –separate from whatsoever action by OSHA– to enact policies but like ours. The Academy has consistently communicated that our Employee Vaccination/Screening Policy is the right and balanced approach for our campus, and the policy volition exist implemented every bit planned.

      Mandatory weekly testing begins on Monday for regular employees who are not vaccinated and who take not reported their vaccination condition to the University. The vast majority of Academy employees are vaccinated and have reported their vaccination status to the Academy, and are therefore not required to complete weekly testing. Those employees who are required to undergo weekly testing accept been notified repeatedly via electronic mail. A new feature on the University'south COVID-19 Dashboard details the University's overall employee vaccination rate, which currently is 88.2%. The information too show vaccination rates amongst the various full-time, regular employee groups.

    • COVID-19 testing: The COVID-nineteen Testing Centre in the Student Center reopened later on the wintertime intermission last Wednesday, Jan. five. The ane-solar day volume of tests provided on that mean solar day was our highest e'er, at more than than 400, and the rest of the week and beginning of this week we keep to see a high number of tests conducted. As you would look given the recent surge, we also are seeing a significantly higher than average number of positive cases. The number of tests conducted from Wednesday, January. 5 to Tuesday, Jan. 11, totals one,649. Of those, 209 positive cases were identified for a weekly positivity rate of 12.67%. During this time, nosotros reported a total of 369 positive cases, which includes information reported from students, faculty and staff who had external tests. This represents the University's highest weekly positivity rate to engagement, and is consequent with the dramatic increment in case numbers and positivity rates we come across in the surrounding community, state and nation. As noted above, these data are a cistron in our determination to extend remote grade formats through Jan. 23 and reinforces the rationale for the additional mandatory testing protocols in identify.

      The Testing Center volition be open up today (Friday, Jan. 14) from 9 a.thousand. to apex, and tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 15, from ten a.k. to 1 p.yard. The full schedule side by side week can be found on the Testing Middle website. We welcome the increasing number of students, faculty and staff who are being tested regularly, as this is an important element of our mitigation strategy.

    • Evolving face mask guidance: In light of evolving Centers for Illness Control guidance, we are reviewing our face up mask policy and volition be recommending changes to our current protocols in the days ahead.
    • Residential students, vaccinations and testing requirements: Vaccinations continue to be required for students living in University housing. In addition, residential students must provide verification of a negative examination following the winter break.
    • Vaccination clinic draws more than than 600: Last Saturday's (Jan. 8) vaccination clinic in the Student Center Ballroom resulted in more 600 people receiving a showtime, 2nd or third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 800 people attended, including parents bringing in children 12-xv years old for vaccinations. Leadership from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was extremely complementary to the University and our team, led by Dean of Students Ellen Gold, who coordinated the effort aslope MDHHS staff. Given the large turnout, more clinics are planned in the future.

    These items represent just a handful of the many initiatives in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-nineteen among our campus customs. Nosotros continue to closely monitor public health guidance, and meet with Washtenaw County Wellness Department experts regularly to evaluate, reassess and to consider adjustments to our protocols. The full range of policies, guidelines and safety protocols, for students, faculty and staff, can exist found on the #EMUSafe website.

    Wellness and Prophylactic Reminder

    Given the contempo surge in positive cases of COVID-19, information technology's important to reiterate some of the key safety protocols that each of us should follow:

    • Practice effective hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers;
    • Vesture face coverings, particularly when indoors in public areas;
    • Notice physical distancing; and,
    • Get vaccinated (or boosted) if you lot are eligible.

    These actions, when taken together, dramatically reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. And, vaccination minimizes the severity of cases in most situations, for those who do contract the virus.

    Every bit always, I thank yous for your piece of work on behalf of the University and your ongoing support of our #EMUSafe initiatives. Please continue to monitor your Academy email for hereafter updates.

    James Smith, Ph.D.

  • Mon., Jan. ten, 2022

    Remote classes through Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022 – posted Jan. 10, 2022

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    To the Eastern Michigan Academy community:

    I write with an update to my previous advice in which I shared that the wintertime semester will brainstorm today with classes being delivered in an entirely remote format. All classes will be delivered in an entirely remote format for both this week and next calendar week (the week of Monday, January. 17, 2022). The regular class schedule (which includes courses with an in-person format) will resume on Mon, Jan. 24.

    Instructors should contact students with more specific information virtually attending grade remotely during these first ii weeks of the winter semester. Understanding that students typically balance several instructional settings, instructors are requested to share this information every bit before long as possible later planning these revisions.

    There will exist a small number of exceptions to allow in-person instruction adjacent week (the week of January. 17), primarily within the Schoolhouse of Nursing and other schools in the College of Health and Human being Services. Students will be notified individually of any exceptions every bit soon as possible and should check their email accounts for further direction.

    We did not reach this determination lightly, and did and then subsequently carefully evaluating the weather in our community, speedily-evolving guidance from government health agencies, and feedback from the EMU Safe Steering Committee. Initial indications from our on-campus Testing Eye , which reopened last Wednesday, Jan. v, are that positivity rates for student and employee populations reflect the increasing case count that is occurring in Washtenaw County, in Michigan, and across the country.

    We understand that the shift to fully remote classes for 2 weeks will impose a burden on both instructors and students. Nosotros believe, still, that this ii-week modification is important to managing the dramatic increase in cases of COVID-nineteen occurring across the nation, the country, and our region. We are confident that this modification to the winter course schedule, combined with our effective EMU Safe protocols , will position us well to resume the regular class schedule on Monday, Jan. 24.

    As a reminder, the EMU Condom protocols include mandatory face masks indoors , vaccine and testing requirements for most students and employees , daily health screening for all individuals who come to campus, and free COVID-19 testing at the on-campus testing center .

    This two-week alter impacts but the academic course schedule, and thus I want to close with an important thank you to the dedicated staff who perform disquisitional infrastructure roles. This includes our colleagues who piece of work in custodial services, maintenance, dining, police, and other areas. These hard-working individuals take never worked from dwelling because of the nature of their work. They take come to piece of work on a daily ground since March 2020 performing vital work without which this campus could not part. They deserve our continued recognition and gratitude.