Gustavus Preparedness Plan for Return to the Workplace

TO: Gustavus Employees
FROM: President Bergman
SUBJECT: Gustavus Preparedness Plan for Return to the Workplace
DATE: May 21, 2020

As the College develops strategies to welcome students back to campus this fall, detailed planning is necessary as we prepare for the majority of employees to return to on-campus work.

While Minnesota’s “Stay at Home” order has been lifted and replaced with new “Stay Safe” guidelines, Governor Walz has asked that people continue to work from home if possible. The state is also requiring each employer to create and follow written policies for employees returning to on-site work. With these factors in mind, the College is implementing a phased plan for employees to return to the workplace. This phased approach will allow the College to implement practices and procedures that help ensure the health and safety of all members of the Gustavus community.

PHASE 1 of the College’s return-to-work plan begins this week. During Phase 1, which we expect to last until mid-July or early August, a limited number of additional employees will be allowed to return to work on campus.

At this time, the College expects that any faculty or staff who have not already been given permission to work on campus and who can continue to work from home will do so. Employees who were already approved to work on campus will continue to work on campus, and those identified as being part of Phase 1 will be contacted by a supervisor to arrange a return to on-campus work.

For Phase 1 employees* to return to on-campus work, you will be required to:

1. Obtain permission from your supervisor to work on campus.
2. Read, in detail, the entire COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for Return to the Workplace.
3. Watch the Return to Work Safety Video. (You will receive an email with directions once you receive permission to return to work).
4. Obtain a mask to wear for work on campus. If you need a mask for approved on-campus work, please request one here.
5. Monitor your health at home and complete the self-assessment questionnaire each day before you come to work. (This questionnaire is for your own self-assessment and does not need to be logged or turned in. If you answer “no” to each question, no further action is necessary on your part. If you answer “yes,” then you must complete this online form.)

PHASE 2 plans will be developed over the coming weeks through the work of the COVID-19 Response Leadership Team and Action Teams in partnership with the Cabinet. Phase 2 will be implemented when the College is prepared for a more substantial percentage of employees to return to work on campus. We expect this to take place later this summer as we prepare to welcome our students.

No member of the Gustavus community may return to work on campus until they have received the appropriate approval from their supervisor and have acknowledged their intent to comply with the College’s Preparedness Plan. All of us are responsible for taking these policies seriously and modeling good behavior for the wellbeing of the entire College community.

I will provide additional information about the phased reentry and the Gustavus Preparedness Plan at our virtual all-employee meeting this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. I hope you can join me via Zoom for updates on this and other College plans.

As I said in my message to the community on Tuesday morning, we have a long road ahead and much work awaits us. I remain confident that Gustavus is well-equipped to move forward in a thoughtful, collaborative, and inclusive manner.

If you have questions about the Gustavus Preparedness Plan for Return to the Workplace or our phased approach to on-campus work, please contact your supervisor or the Office of Human Resources.

When the time is right, I look forward to seeing each of you on campus.

Yours in community,

President Bergman