Below are the most frequently asked questions about returning to work on the UNO campus in Fall 2021.
Returning to Campus
When employees are asked to prioritize on-campus work and be physically present, does this mean Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.?
Our goal is to support a pre-pandemic level of activity on campus. Typically, the in-person work schedule that you maintained prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic should be your schedule effective Aug. 23, unless you have an approved alternative work agreement. Please reference the UNO Work Schedule policy as needed.
Should I complete the Alternative Work Arrangement Agreement if I am concerned about a health condition?
No. Your first step should be to contact Kristina Hoffman in Human Resources at kristinahoffmann@unomaha.edu.
How are the alternative work arrangement agreement forms being evaluated and approved?
This process is ongoing. Forms that have been received on July 6 or earlier are being evaluated at the vice chancellor level. Alternative work arrangement agreements are considered based on business needs related to workspace, the function of the office, and/or an individual or family's health needs. If you would like to seek an alternative work arrangement agreement, please review the NU System Alternative Worksite Policy and speak to your supervisor.
What are the exceptions for people who feel uncomfortable with returning to campus?
Alternative work arrangement agreements are considered based on business needs related to workspace, the function of the office, or an individual or family's health needs. If you would like to seek an alternative work arrangement agreement, please review the NU System Alternative Worksite Policy and speak to your supervisor.
I need more time to make arrangements for commuting, childcare, or eldercare – will there be any flexibility for individuals like me for returning to campus?
The campus is resuming traditional operations on Monday, Aug. 23, the first day of classes for Fall 2021. If you would like to seek an alternative work arrangement agreement, please review the NU System Alternative Worksite Policy and speak to your supervisor.
I have an agreed-upon arrangement that will allow me to work remotely or flexibly. Will that be honored or will I be expected to work on campus?
If you and your supervisor have reached an alternative work arrangement agreement that has been approved through the designated channels including the appropriate Vice Chancellor your agreement will be honored.
I have moved to a different city or state since the start of the pandemic and will not be able to physically commute. Will I be expected to move back so I can work on campus?
If you and your supervisor have reached an alternative work arrangement agreement that has been approved through the designated channels including the appropriate Vice Chancellor, your agreement will be honored.
What if my team has changed significantly in the past 18 months and our pre-pandemic work environment is not ready or unfit for a full return to the office?
This process is ongoing. Forms that have been received on July 6 or earlier are being evaluated at the vice chancellor level. Alternative work arrangement agreements are considered based on business needs related to workspace, function of the office, and/or an individual or family's health needs. If you would like to seek an alternative work arrangement agreement, please review the NU System Alternative Worksite Policy and please discuss it with your supervisor.
COVID-19 Response
If COVID-19 infection rates increase in the community, how or when will I know if I need to continue working in person, or work remotely?
UNO’s Office of Health Security closely monitors local, state, and national trends to inform the university’s pandemic response.
In the event that a transition back to remote teaching, working, and learning is necessary, information will be shared through the Maverick COVID Response website, emails, campus newsletters, and social media.
Without knowing how many of my coworkers are vaccinated, I am concerned that my workspace does not facilitate adequate physical distancing, even if I am fully vaccinated and wear a mask. What should I do?
In outdoor and indoor settings on the UNO campus (including classroom spaces, conference rooms, study rooms, break rooms, hallways, and other common areas) fully vaccinated individuals may interact without masks and are no longer required to maintain 6-foot physical distancing in these areas. Current plans for the Fall 2021 semester include 3-foot social distancing in classrooms.
Six-foot social distancing will remain in classrooms over the summer. Social distancing measures will be continually reviewed and modified. The UNO campus mask policy remains in effect for individuals who are not fully vaccinated.
If you feel your workspace does not facilitate adequate distancing, please speak with your supervisor, or Facilities Management and Planning.
Will I be required to have a COVID-19 vaccine before returning to campus?
No, but being fully vaccinated as soon as possible or prior to a full return to campus is strongly recommended. Getting vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and also protects your family, friends, and our UNO community. All COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are safe and effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Stopping this pandemic requires using all the tools we have available. You can find a location for vaccination near you at vaccines.gov. Having a significant portion of our UNO community vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others and to guard against any spread of COVID-19.
Will COVID-19 testing be available on campus?
Visit the Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center website to view your testing options.
What will be expected of vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals who are on campus during the Fall 2021 semester?
The UNO campus mask policy and physical distancing guidelines remain in effect for individuals who are not fully vaccinated.
Should any special precautions be taken involving food/lunches?
Please see this revised draft food policy, effective 11/2/21.
Will I be expected to complete any screening prior to/upon arrival on campus? Should I continue using the 1-Check UNO app?
Use of COVID-19 self-screening apps is not required but is strongly encouraged.