News

SIUE is complying with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s order to “Stay-at-Home,” requiring another modification to its evolving work relations. When available, the Governor’s Executive Order will be posted at www.coronavirus.illinois.gov. According to the Order, employees can still go to the doctor and buy groceries, etc. But movement outside of the home should be limited to essential activities (also outlined in the Order).

The Governor’s office has confirmed that during the Order, all regular employees will continue to be paid and receive benefits. Some employees will be critical in supporting this phase of operations that will focus on facilitating distance education and services that support the health and well-being of those students living on campus. Deans, directors or supervisors will work with employees to ensure understanding of assignments during this period.

In harmony with Gov. Pritzker’s actions, SIUE is clarifying previous directions. These directions will remain in place from March 21-April 7.

• Online instruction will continue with critical support functions (e.g., faculty, IT support, tutoring, supplemental instruction, etc.).
• Students who remain at SIUE on-ground and in University Housing will continue to be supported with food and shelter.
• Registration and advising processes will continue, since students have planned and are ready for Summer and Fall registration. We anticipate starting summer and fall registration March 23^rd.
• Recruitment for the Fall 2020 class will continue through virtual means.
• NECESSARY business, health and safety functions will continue.

Whenever possible, employees will telecommute. Only those involved in functions related to the above list and designated by supervisors will be allowed to work on-ground.

Those employees at home receiving pay not performing a critical function are still expected to continue activities that support their job functions remotely, to the extent possible. If regular activities are not possible, employees are asked to engage in activities deemed appropriately related to their work from an off-site location. Examples include:

• Being on call for questions and should the University need an employee’s services.
• If possible, preparing for distance work, including becoming familiar and more proficient in the use of distance support options (e.g. Zoom, Teams, Office 365, etc.)
• Reviewing website content for respective areas
• Ensuring that campus phones and emails are checked regularly for messages and appropriate follow up occurs.
• Creating virtual and remote communications and services for respective departments
• Documenting processes.
• Engaging in professional development and e-learning opportunities via the web.
• Setting and participating in virtual meetings.
• Developing and engaging in processes and work tasks in ways that continue to meet SIUE’s legal and compliance requirements.

Those employees asked to remain home receiving pay will be in an “on-call” status and will continue to receive their base rate of pay and benefits.

Full-time employees on the hourly bi-weekly payroll will continue to receive pay based upon 37.5 or 40 hours per week as applicable. Employees on the semi-monthly payroll will continue to receive their regular base salary based upon their most recent semi-monthly pay. Regular part-time employees will receive pay based on their FTE percentage. Any corrections to account for any necessary changes will take place once normal operations resume.

The University will continue its mission critical services along with infrastructure to support them. During this time, the University will reduce on-ground hours in some areas and provide virtual hours instead. For example, the Library will close on-ground operations, but critical library support will be available to students and faculty. Students in Housing will continue to have access to food.

During this time, building access will be restricted. Although card swipes should still function, on-campus employees performing a critical function who need access to a building should reach out to SIUE Police at 650-3324.

Unit supervisors, department chairs and Deans will contact staff and faculty about whether they are required to report to work during this time of commitment to our mission and to social distancing.

This is an extraordinary circumstance, so it is imperative that each manager and employee communicate and understand clear expectations. Please continue to check email regularly and visit http://siue.edu/coronavirus for the most updated information. 

We want to thank everyone in the SIUE community for your efforts to support one another and our students. Your dedication and sound judgment in this critical time continue to make us all proud.