Roaring Back: University Rebound Plan
Last week, Governor Brad Little announced a staged plan for reopening Idaho. It is the University’s intention to return to normal operations in a staged approach as well, taking into consideration guidelines from state and local public health officials. It is important to note that the dates for Idaho State’s Roaring Back rebound plan are subject to change based on public health recommendations and implementation of the state’s plan. The University is preparing to fully resume campus operations in the fall.   

Supervisors should work with their respective vice presidents to establish department-specific operational procedures that ensure proper social distancing for each of these phases. All employees currently working remotely should continue to do so until their unit rebound plan has been finalized and communicated. All student services should continue to be delivered and accessed, as they are now, until communicated otherwise.

As employees transition back to campus, supervisors are encouraged to consider continued telework and work-from-home options, or implementing rotational crews to limit in-office personnel. For example, a supervisor may ask half of the employees to work in-office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and the other half would be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Discretion is left up to supervisors during the phased-in reopen plan, as long as health protocols are maintained.
Roaring Back: University Rebound Plan
Tentative Schedule

Current Phase: March 25-April 30
The physical campus locations are closed to the public, and all services are operated remotely with exceptions for vital campus support activity that cannot be conducted remotely (such as Health Services, Public Safety, University Housing and Dining, and utility services/limited facility and IT support).

Stage One: May 1-15
Expect very few changes from the current phase. The University’s physical campuses will remain closed to the public and all services are operated remotely with the exception of vital campus support activities that cannot be conducted remotely. Each unit will use this time to develop plans for a phased return-to-work for critical and prioritized activities within the units. Plans must include continuing telework whenever possible. Plans for on-campus work must address physical distancing, personal protections, assurance of hygiene, limiting gatherings, etc. Every effort should be made to minimize non-essential travel, and 14-day isolation guidelines are still in effect after returning from areas of high COVID-19 activity.

Stage Two: May 16-29
A phased opening of campus locations will begin during this stage. Plans will be implemented for critical and prioritized activities within the units. Plans must include continuing telework whenever possible. Plans for on-campus work must address physical distancing, personal protections, assurance of hygiene, in-person gatherings, etc. Travel limitations from Stage One continue.

Stage Three: May 30-June 12
The phased opening of campus locations will continue. Plans continue implementation of a phased return-to-work for prioritized activities within the units. Plans must include continuing telework whenever possible. On-campus work must address physical distancing, personal protections, assurance of hygiene, in-person gatherings, etc. Non-essential travel may resume provided it is not to areas with ongoing community transmission of coronavirus, and 14-day isolation guidelines for those arriving in Idaho may be discontinued.

Stage Four: June 13-26
A “new normal” on campus will be in effect. All University locations are fully operational within the “new normal” guidelines. Plans are fully implemented for return-to-work. On-campus work must include physical distancing, personal protections, assurance of hygiene, in-person gatherings, etc. Special accommodations must be in place for vulnerable employees. Travel guidelines from Stage Three continue.
During all stages of the University’s rebound plan, individuals should continue to:
  • Engage in physical distancing of at least six feet
  • Wear face coverings in public places
  • Stay home if sick
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly
If an employee is a member of a vulnerable population (or a caregiver of a vulnerable person), supervisors should provide additional options and accommodations. It is up to the employee to work with their supervisor, where applicable, to discuss their work plan during the phased-in rebound plan.

Vulnerable Populations:
  • Older than 65 years
  • People with the following conditions:
  • Existing heart disease (previous heart attack, angina, congenital heart disease, etc.)
  • Lung disease (asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.)
  • Current smoker
  • Compromised immune status (medications, cancer, organ transplantation, etc.)
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • Liver disease
If you have additional questions about the University’s rebound plan, please contact your supervisor or the Office of Marketing and Communications.
Idaho State
This email was sent to all Idaho State University employees.
Send comments, feedback, and questions to communications@isu.edu .