Updated guidance on events/gatherings and remote work policies

Dear Financial and Administrative Services (FAS) Community,

 

As we expand our recovery efforts, work groups across UCSF are developing guidelines and plans to help us safely resume some of the activities we paused in recent months.  Amid the changes, a few questions have been raised about events/gatherings and remote work, and I’m writing to provide updated guidance on these interim policies.

 

Events and Large Gatherings

Our current policy states that all non-essential in-person events and gatherings shall be cancelled or postponed.  With the health and safety of our UCSF community in mind, we are extending this interim policy through June 30, 2021.  We will share updates to this policy, as changes are made to San Francisco’s public health order. 

 

In-person large events, whether on-campus or off-campus, should be cancelled or converted into a virtual event.

 

Working Remotely

Some of our colleagues are returning to onsite work, joining others on campus and at UCSF Health who have been working onsite throughout our response to COVID-19.  Those who can continue to perform their duties remotely, however, should continue to do so through January 18, 2021.  This will help provide greater opportunity for those working onsite to practice physical distancing and other protocols that have been developed to help ensure the safety of the UCSF community.

 

Note that there are several major moves planned in the months ahead, with the opening of Clinical Sciences, Valley Center (Block 33) and moves from Mt. Zion, Laurel Heights and elsewhere.  These moves will still need to take place.  A separate communication will provide guidance to impacted teams and departments on packing, moving and storing of departmental and personal items.

 

For additional guidance and information on working remotely:

  • Review the COVID-19 website’s remote work resources, which include a planning guide for managers, general guidance, the remote work agreement template, as well as IT support information and ergonomic guidelines.
  • Working remotely can create its own challenges and may not be an option for everyone.  Speak to your supervisor if you would like to be considered for an exemption to this policy.

 

In the Bay Area, we are thankfully seeing the benefits of the early actions our communities took to address COVID-19.  While uncertainty remains, there is reason for cautious optimism. As we enter the summer, and look ahead to the fall and winter, we will need to remain vigilant and flexible, so that we can dial up our response to serve the public as needed.

 

As always, thank you for the commitment and leadership you’ve offered.  I’m grateful for how the entire UCSF community has pulled together to serve each other and those who rely on us for their well-being.

 

Sincerely,

 

Paul Jenny

Senior Vice Chancellor

Finance and Administration