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Dear Colleagues,

This is a challenging time as we all navigate the latest Coronavirus headlines, personal impacts and now news about NKU’s transition to alternative instruction. We want to assure you that the university is making decisions with the health and safety of our campus and community in mind. NKU is continuing normal business operations. Our administration is working to balance flexibility with the need to provide essential services to the University. How do we do that? It starts with continuing employee work schedules as much as possible and keeping in mind the following points.

  • To be consistent with the public health goal of minimizing unnecessary contact, department heads should be flexible when possible regarding telecommuting or work from home options. To be mindful of social distancing recommendations, departments should consider limiting large staff meetings and/or scheduling them virtually through teleconference and webinar systems.
  • We know not every employee can or will be able to work from home all of the time. Department heads should consider the nature of the work and whether the necessary equipment and technology are available to allow employees to fully perform their job duties away from campus. For those unable to work offsite, departments should work to create a safe onsite work environment with an emphasis on social distancing.
  • We understand a portion of our employees might fall into populations that are considered at high risk for the illness and encourage anyone experiencing symptoms or potential exposure to COVID-19 to remain at home.
  • Student employment assignments should be continued where possible. Student Employees should contact their supervisor to make arrangements about work schedules and expected responsibilities.

Our Human Resources team is available to help with planning and reviewing the options for employees who may be affected by the virus. We understand there are many questions, and our HR team has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide some answers. You can also reach out to HR by calling 859-572-5200 or emailing hr@nku.edu.

During this time, please remember the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines to stay home if you feel sick or have a fever and the Northern Kentucky Health Department’s recommendations if you are sick can be found there. And always, continue to practice proper habits for good health.

It’s also important to consider your own wellbeing during this time. There are resources available if you need to talk with someone. Faculty and staff can access NKU’s Employee Assistance Program resources. Please send students to our Health, Counseling & Student Wellness if they need support.

We will continue to share regular updates as this is an evolving situation. NKU’s Coronavirus preparedness website is the best place for our communications and information on the virus. You can also email covid19@nku.edu; that account is monitored by key members of the preparedness team.

Finally, attached is a message from Provost Sue Ott Rowlands to faculty and staff in Academic Affairs regarding alternative instructional schedules and support for students.

Thank you for all you are doing to help our university navigate this challenge.

Sincerely yours,
Ashish K. Vaidya