Employees | Responsible Reopening

Employee Reopening Information

As we plan for our fall reopening on campus and begin this “new normal” in our workplace, we understand that many employees are concerned about safety as well as any changes to policies and procedures that we have implemented at the University of Mount Union. We want every employee to be assured that we are taking your concerns and the well-being of our employees seriously. Every workspace will differ. Please review your work area to ensure that safe practices can be implemented, and contact the Physical Plant or Office of Human Resources by phone or email with questions or concerns. 

We expect all employees to report to work on site unless there is a legitimate reason for continued tele-work, such as an employee within a high-risk category or with caregiving responsibilities that prevent the employee from returning to the workplace temporarily. You should discuss your specific circumstances with your supervisor and vice president.

Our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and our policies and plans will be updated as appropriate as more information becomes available. We will continue to follow the Restart Ohio Plan for Higher Education as outlined by Governor Mike DeWine, as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for a safe return to campus. 

When on campus, please abide by Mount Union's Four Personal Safety Practices:

  1. Conduct a daily health self-assessment
  2. Wear a face covering
  3. Maintain social distancing
  4. Maintain personal hygiene 

Employee Fall Reopening FAQs

  1. How do I conduct a self-monitoring of symptoms daily?

    Prior to arriving on campus for work each day, you must conduct symptom monitoring, including your temperature, and be free of any symptoms potentially related to COVID-19.You can access a comprehensive list of COVID-19 symptoms and a symptom self-checker tool on the CDC website.

    Please note that COVID-19 shares many similar symptoms with the common flu, cold, and allergies, and that the baseline for a temperature related to COVID-19 is 100.4 or higher. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to your primary healthcare provider for help in identifying the cause of your symptoms and be certain to call the provider BEFORE going to their offices. You may also contact the Alliance City Health Department at (330) 821-7373 for assistance.

    If you have symptoms, you should not physically be in offices or public spaces on campus until you are cleared by a medical professional. Notify your supervisor so the appropriate course of action – remote work, use of sick time, etc. – can be determined.

  2. How can I access an infrared touchless thermometer on campus?

    A handful of infrared touchless thermometers are available on campus. They can be accessed in the following buildings on campus should you need to check your temperature or that of another while at work.

    Hoover-Price Campus Center  – Office of Student Affairs

    Beeghly Hall  – Office of Human Resources

    McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex  – Office of Recreation and Wellness Services

    Campus Security

    Gartner Welcome Center

    Bracy Hall/Gallaher Hall  – College of Natural and Health Sciences office

    Physical Plant – Housekeeping

  3. Am I required to wear a face covering when on campus?

    Employees working on campus should be prepared to wear an appropriate face covering at all times unless working alone in an assigned work area. This includes when entering and exiting a building, using a common space, or entering another individual’s workspace. You may supply your own face covering or secure one from your supervisor. Exceptions to wearing a face covering must be requested by submitting the Request for Accommodation Form and approved by the Office of Accessibility Serivces for students and the Office of Human Resources for employees. 

    Face Coverings FAQs – from the Ohio Department of Health Director’s Order

  4. How can I ensure proper social distancing in the workplace?

    When working on campus, employees are expected to maintain appropriate social distancing. Please keep in mind CDC recommendations for safe social distancing, which includes remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance of approximately six feet from others when possible. Refrain from using the work stations and tools of others, including phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. Replace handshakes with head nods and waves.

     

    See additional questions below related to meetings, common areas, public restroom facilities, and elevators.

  5. How should meetings be conducted on campus?

    Employees should continue the use of teleconferencing, group chats, or live streaming as alternatives to in-person meetings. Online meeting platforms available include D2L, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.

  6. How should common areas be reconfigured?

    Offices and departments should remove or rearrange chairs and tables or add visual cue marks in common areas to support social distancing practices. Face coverings should be used in all common areas.

  7. How can social distancing be ensured in public restroom facilities?

    Use of restrooms should be limited based on size to ensure at least six feet of distance between individuals.

  8. How can social distancing be ensured in elevators?

    No more than one person may enter an elevator at a time, so please use the stairs whenever possible.

  9. What personal hygiene measures should I follow to protect myself and others?

    The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Employees working on campus should adhere to the following CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or any type of illness.

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • Don’t share personal items such as water bottles.