June 23, 2020
Dear Bellarmine employees,
Last week, I announced that Bellarmine plans to be open for an on-campus experience this fall. As we continue our work to repopulate our campus for the fall semester, we will launch the next phases of our return-to-work plan after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Return to Work Plan
- Beginning Tuesday, July 7, offices may be staffed at up to 25% of their usual capacity.
- By Monday, July 20, that staffing may be increased to up to 50% of regular capacity.
- Employees will continue to be required to complete the health self-assessment questionnaire daily, and face coverings must be worn unless employees are in their private offices with the doors closed (or if you're outdoors with appropriate physical distancing from other members of the community).
Remote Work
- Throughout July, employees should continue to telework when it is possible for them to complete their work from home.
- Vice presidents will work with personnel in their areas to implement the details of this phased return-to-work plan. Our intent is to provide as much flexibility as possible to ensure we're meeting our responsibilities to Bellarmine's students while also accommodating physical distancing, personal health considerations, childcare needs and other priorities.
This week, the cabinet is reviewing the details of a return-to-work proposal, and we will share the details of that full plan once it is approved. We are simultaneously finalizing details of plans for campus sanitation, ensuring the health of our campus community, space needs for our hybrid course delivery and more.
Extended Holiday Periods
In appreciation for everyone's service during this uniquely challenging time, I am pleased to announce two additional one-time holiday periods for the second half of 2020:
- July 1-6 – the university will be closed for an extended Fourth of July holiday
- Nov 22-29 – the university will be closed for an extended Thanksgiving holiday
Employees who are required to work during either break will receive equivalent time off that may be used at another time.
I want to particularly express my gratitude to the members of our Steering Committee on Contingency Planning and everyone who has contributed to their work over the past several weeks. Their efforts have ensured that we will be well-prepared to welcome students back to campus in August while taking every precaution we can to keep our entire community healthy.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Donovan, Ph.D.
President