Summer Sessions 1–3 Will Be Online Only
The University of Iowa will offer online-only instruction for Summer Sessions 1–3, which begin May 19. A decision on whether to offer face-to-face instruction for Summer Sessions 4–5, which begin June 15 and June 29, respectively, will be made later this semester. In order to provide flexibility, colleges may choose to offer only online courses during all of the 2020 summer sessions.
Additionally, clinical and experiential activities will be addressed on a program-by-program basis.
A Note from UI President Bruce Harreld
I often draw inspiration from President Emeritus Sandy Boyd’s statement that when he closes his eyes and pictures the UI, he sees the people of our university community, not the buildings.
It is our people who define our university, and supporting the aspirations of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends is our most fundamental value.
As we face the significant challenges brought on by COVID-19, we will do it together and the university will support policies that support each of you—our students, faculty, and staff.
To that end, in order to protect the health of our community, university leadership last week directed all employees outside of UI Health Care to work remotely unless the critical function you provide must be completed on campus.
As a result, we understand that many Hawkeyes, particularly students, are worried about their income during what is already a stressful time. With this in mind, and in accordance with state and federal law (including recent federal acts) and the direction of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, the University of Iowa will keep all employees in paid status through the end of the spring 2020 semester, regardless of funding source.
Pay status
- If you are a member of the regular faculty or staff, you will continue to be paid as normal.
- If you are an employee with a fixed term of employment, such as a resident assistant, you will continue to be paid as normal through the end of the term of your employment.
- If you are an hourly employee paid bi-weekly, including student employees, and are unable to work because of this public health emergency, you will be paid for up to 80 hours of time based on the hours you would have expected to work this semester. Federal work-study will continue to be paid, in keeping with the Federal Work Study Electronic Guidance.
Sick leave
We also understand that some members of our community may be unable to work because they are sick, caring for a loved one, or because of other complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you find yourself in any of these circumstances, you will receive additional paid leave, and your job will be protected until you return. The Federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act provides 80 hours of new paid sick leave (prorated for part-time employees) for COVID-related needs. The Board of Regents also has authorized the university to provide additional sick leave for COVID-19-related needs and has waived the cap on family-caregiving leave. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected FMLA leave for employees who need to care for children during school closures.
UI Health Care will issue more specific guidelines for its employees on the application of these new rules.
If you would like to know more, you can find a list of FAQs at hr.uiowa.edu/covid-19-pay-practice-faqs. If you have additional questions about pay and paid leave, please reach out to your designated HR representative. They will consult with Faculty and Staff Disability Services if you are part of the main campus, or with Leave and Disability Administration if you are a member of the UI Health Care team.
For many of us, these past several weeks have revolved around isolation, uncertainty, and fear. But know that you are not alone. Though this is a distressing time in our nation’s history, together, as a community, we will persist.
Together, as Hawkeyes, we will endure. Together, as Hawkeyes, we will serve. Together, as Hawkeyes, we will succeed.
Sincerely,
President Bruce Harreld