Dear Colleagues in the BEARS region,
I am writing today with a summary of recent communications from both UCOP and Berkeley campus leadership, along with key messages and action items that you might find helpful.
On Wednesday, April 1, Chancellor Christ and EVCP Alivisados sent an update on the financial impact of COVID-19, including announcement of a hiring freeze. The next day, EVCP Alivisados, Vice Provost Hermalin and AVC Whitlock sent a follow up communication on the hiring freeze with more guidance, including this COVID-19 Hiring Freeze FAQ
Thursday, April 2, President Napolitano wrote to the UC community on behalf of herself and the ten Chancellors, outlining their support and assurances of job security through June 30 for all career staff. This Job Protection FAQ addresses additional questions that you might have.
Also on April 2, VC Administration Fisher provided this updated shelter in place communication outlining additional facilities closures and preparations for working remotely. Here are some key action items, along with links to related tools and forms:
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By April 8th, Managers and Supervisors should complete this Google Form for any employee who is temporarily working remote and out of state/country due to the shelter in place order as a result of the coronavirus.
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If you haven’t done so already, Supervisors should complete a temporary remote work agreement form for their employees. BEARS HR and BRS Project Management have upgraded the form to utilize DocuSign, and it now can easily be executed by anyone with an email address using a computer, phone, or tablet. This Process Map and People & Culture’s COVID-19 Temporary Remote Work Web Page contain more information.
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Supply Chain Management has provided a list of pre-approved ergonomic products and instructions for ordering and shipping to an employee's home
Supply Chain Management also reminds us toplease consider revising or canceling purchase orders if they are to be delivered to closed buildings. More information can be foundhere.
Please be aware that the Cal 1 Card Office currently has limited in-person support services and is only available for essential staff and students still living on campus as outlined here
Note that at this time, we have not received an update on what to do if an employee exhausts their COVID-19 administrative leave allocation (128 hours for a full time employee). We expect to receive more guidance later this week or next week.
If you have any other questions regarding application of COVID-19 administrative leave or the hiring freeze, please contact your HR Partner. If you are not sure who that is, check the BEARS HR web page
Please cascade this message as appropriate to your department colleagues.
Stay safe and be well,
Lori