Mar. 13, 2020 – Remote work for staff March 16-March 27
IMPORTANT UPDATE: On March 20, the university extended the remote work period through April 11. Read more.
Dear colleagues,
In order to protect the health and safety of our community during this unprecedented public health challenge, Vanderbilt University is instituting an initial remote work period beginning Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. Individual remote work decisions require approval by your manager. Further guidance on time periods beyond March 27 will be included in subsequent communications.
The work that our staff carry out for the university is comprehensive and its nature varies widely. Your manager will be in direct contact with you by the end of the weekend about how your area will manage your specific responsibilities during this period. Individuals working in research laboratories will receive specific direction from their deans and department chairs.
We strongly encourage you to familiarize yourself with the HR information page and the telecommuting and remote work resources on the university’s COVID-19 webpage.
Even with this challenge, there are key on-campus operations that must continue to support educational, research, and residential functions. Managers will communicate directly with their staff in these areas to ensure these services continue.
Please be assured that staff pay and benefits during this initial remote work period will be preserved. Details about how time should be recorded in Oracle will be provided by your manager and posted in an FAQ in the HR section of our website.
I want to share my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your dedication and commitment to our mission during this unprecedented time. I know many of you are working well beyond your normal schedule and responsibilities to help the university address this health challenge, all while managing your and your family’s own concerns. Your commitment to Vanderbilt is abundantly clear.
The actions we have taken and are taking are substantial, but please know that they are not taken lightly and are based on the best recommendations of public health experts. This situation is extraordinary and it requires such action; it also requires calm and focus. First and foremost, stay safe. Wash your hands frequently, and practice social distancing.
We are a strong, united community—that has not changed, nor will it. We will continue to be in touch with more information in the coming days. Thank you for all that you do for our great university.
With deep appreciation,
Susan R. Wente
Interim Chancellor and Provost