Our highest priority is the health and safety of the NSU Community. The University’s senior leadership team and Emergency Operations Committee is continuing to monitor the local and regional impact of COVID-19, and is taking proactive actions to mitigate potential risks to our community.
March 17, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Telecommuting Policy
The University has approved Interim Policy #2, Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy, which outlines NSU’s process for the approval of telework for eligible employees. See policy and form here.
April 30, 2020
Continued Telecommuting for all Non-designated Employees
On March 27, 2020, a communication was issued to the NSU community stating that “all non-designated employees are required to telecommute through Friday, May 1, 2020” and that the “University reserves the right to amend this schedule as the situation on the ground changes.”
Due to Governor Northam’s Stay at Home order advising all Virginians to stay at home until June 10, 2020, the university will continue to require all non-essential staff to telecommute until further notice. The University remains open and all designated employees should continue to report to campus to perform essential functions. All employees should continue constant communication with their supervisors and visit the University website (www.nsu.edu) on a regular basis for COVID-19 related updates.
COVID-19 related leave forms including state public health emergency leave and federal emergency paid leave can be obtained by accessing the links below:
Employees should submit leave requests to their immediate supervisor for approval. Supervisors should submit approved leave forms to the Payroll Office.
Any questions regarding COVID-19 related leave should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 757-823-8160.
April 01, 2020
Updated Leave Options Available for all NSU Employees including Wage Employees & Adjunct Faculty
First and foremost, thank you all for your hard work, diligence, and commitment to the success of NSU. Our students have been successfully engaging in online and remote learning provided by our wonderful faculty. Our staff and administrators, on campus and telecommuting, have worked diligently to support the functions that have allowed us to successfully continue all of our operations.
The Commonwealth of Virginia and the federal government have provided guidelines for employees needing assistance due to COVID-19. These guidelines regarding leave include the following:
The following are circumstances for which an employee may use the aforementioned leave options:
- The employee needs to attend to their medical needs or the medical needs of an immediate family member being tested or treated for COVID-19
- The employee has chronic health conditions or is 65 years of age or older and there are no flexible alternative work options to maintain social distancing
- The employee needs to make alternative childcare arrangements due to closure of the child’s day care centers/schools due to COVID-19
- The employee has a job that is not conducive to telecommuting or alternative work plans
These new guidelines are applicable to all NSU employees including wage and adjunct faculty. It is anticipated that essential designated staff that are on campus to ensure business continuity of university operations are expected to work as scheduled. We encourage staff that are telecommuting to continue to do so unless they are impacted by COVID-19. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 757-823-8600.
COVID-19 Update
The Office of Human Resources is committed to providing assistance and tools to faculty, staff and administrators as we navigate through the critical changes that are essential to remaining safe as we conduct the business of the university during this time. Therefore, Norfolk State University will adhere to the following DHRM (Department of Human Resources Management) guidance to maintain continuity of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Emergency Closings Policy (1.35) can be accessed at https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/emergency-office-closings. This policy applies to all classified, restricted, and At-Will employees. The policy describes “designated” and “non-designated” employees. “Designated” employees are those who are required to work during an official closing because the services they provide are essential to agency operations during emergencies. Agencies and institutions are required to tell employees if they are “designated” or “non-designated”.
Employees can consult with their managers regarding whether their position is designated as essential during an emergency closing. A list of designated (i.e. essential) positions is maintained by every Vice President for their area of responsibility.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Leave Options for the NSU Community
Leave Information
Click here for guidance on leave for employees who may be impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: Telecommuting Policy
The University has approved Interim Policy #2, Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy, which outlines NSU’s process for the approval of telework for eligible employees.