On July 1, the University of Maine System announced its institutions will be operating on a "Return to Campus" footing for Fall Semester 2020 and recognizes it will take incredible focus and flexibility to prepare to welcome our students to our learning communities in August.

In accordance with this decision and recognizing COVID-19 remains an evolving dynamic in our overall planning, University of Maine System employees normally employed in the summer will be invited to return to campus in increasing numbers during the month of July by University leadership following consultation with respective campus emergency operations teams.

Important: All staffing return decisions will be at the discretion of University management and communicated through an employee's supervisor, manager, dean or provost. As such, the dates employees will need to return to campus will be determined as part of the overall COVID-19 planning process and likely phased in based upon an employee's function.

This decision has been reached with great care and we have called upon our significant resources such as the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to assist in preparing for this date with the health and safety of all very much in mind.

In collaboration with the SAB, the Safe Return Planning Committee has established comprehensive guidelines and protocols to ensure our employees may return to campus confident that appropriate precaution has been taken for their protection.

These steps include the wearing of protective coverings, (Employees will be provided with two face coverings and hand sanitizer, additional protective measures as needed), utilization of Plexiglas barriers for high-traffic work stations, reduction of class sizes and gatherings in support of maintaining social distancing, and common commitment from all to abide by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards.

In addition, the University of Maine System has announced plans for testing and symptom checking of employees and students as well.

 

Employees whose vulnerability to infection by COVID-19 renders their participation in a potential recall to campus problematic, and those with serious health conditions, or with dependent care responsibilities related to the pandemic may require other considerations or work arrangements moving forward. We encourage those individuals to work closely with their supervisors and managers to explore alternative approaches and they are invited to contact Human Resources for support in that process.

A Final Important Note : In an effort to further support appropriate transition back to campus, Human Resources has prepared materials that include a Training Guide for Safe Return to Campus  and step-by-step training located at UMS Academy, (including ASL format).

As always, Human Resources remains available to answer questions and concerns appropriate to your needs.

Your Human Resources Team