Florida A&M University (FAMU) will extend rules to allow most personnel to continue to work remotely through at least June 1, as the University continues social distancing guidelines during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“The past two months of remote operations have shown what FAMU students, faculty and staff can accomplish under the most difficult circumstances,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “As we turn toward the summer and fall, let us continue to maintain our standard of “excellence” while maintaining our commitment to “caring” for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Essential employees will continue working pursuant to prior University guidance. A return to work on campus will happen in phases, said Rica Calhoun, chief Compliance and Ethics officer and co-chair of the Continuity of Operations Task Force.
Phase 1 will see low-risk employees from high priority areas return to campus on June 1. These include Financial Services and the Senior Leadership Team.
Calhoun said more details on the phased return to work on campus are forthcoming as the details are worked out.
“The safety of our faculty, staff, and students remains the University’s top priority,” Calhoun said. “The Task Force is working diligently to provide thoughtful and comprehensive recommendations for senior Leadership to consider that mitigate risk as much as possible.”
The present arrangement was scheduled to expire on Friday, May 15. University staff has been working remotely since March 18.
The decision to extend remote operations comes at the start of summer semester instruction and as the University and the Florida Board of Governors discuss options for fall operations. The FAMU Continuity of Operations Task Force meets daily and is assessing the nature of future campus operations, which will be shared with University leadership for their consideration.
During this period of extended remote operations, essential personnel are expected to continue to report to campus, unless otherwise authorized by their supervisor and vice president.
Nonessential personnel are expected to work remotely during this period. Instruction for Summer School sessions A, B and C will all be conducted remotely.
FAMU remains open. The latest changes do not disrupt the University’s core business operations.
