Message to Faculty and Staff from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.

Dear Faculty and Staff:

In response to emergency declarations at both the state and federal levels, I am pleased to provide the following information as it relates to increased flexibility for employees in response to COVID-19, which has been classified as a global pandemic.

Employees are encouraged to use annual leave, compensatory time, and/or sick leave if they are sick; caring for someone who is sick; and/or providing care for a family member, especially given today’s mandatory closure of the Commonwealth’s public school system for the next two weeks. Please note that this does not apply to nine-month teaching and research faculty as these individuals do not accrue and/or take leave.

In addition to the flexible utilization of leave, employees can request the ability to engage in telework arrangements. These requests should be made through an individual’s immediate supervisor and are subject to review and approval of the respective area’s vice president. Please note that not all employees are eligible for telework arrangements based upon the duties and responsibilities associated with specific positions. The University will make every effort to accommodate these requests where appropriate.

For those who will be in the office working, you are encouraged to utilize technology-based platforms for collaborating with each other and conducting business, such as phone calls, video calls, and email messages. You should limit face-to-face meetings where possible.

During this very difficult and uncertain time in our nation’s history, please know that we are diligently working to provide needed information and critical support to continue modified operations and essential services at the University, while understanding the growing demands on your household. As I previously shared, the actions taken by the University are out of an abundance of caution for our campus and our community. The health, well-being, and safety of all members of the Radford family are of the utmost importance.


Sincerely,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President