[Michlib-l] Staff with child care needs

[Leslie Warren]

Our university president just announced our plan a few minutes ago:

NMU Faculty and Staff,

Last night’s (March 12) announcement by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to close
all K-12 schools throughout the state has obviously challenged many working
parents across Michigan, and certainly here on campus, regarding care for
their children. This action by the state impacts all of us at Northern as
we pull together to ensure that members of our NMU community have their
immediate needs met. Thus, the plan below.

We understand that the K-12 and related childcare closures may impact a
number of our employees who do not have viable longer-term daycare options.
Employees in this situation should work with their department heads to
determine whether alternative work arrangements can be managed (e.g.
modifying work hours, telecommuting, etc.).  Creativity to keep employees
working in some capacity is encouraged.

If there are no options for alternative work arrangements, employees will
not be required to use annual leave time to cover the K-12 closure through
April 5. However, employees will be required to use any remaining personal
leave days and dependent care leave days. The definition of dependent care
leave is being expanded to include caring for dependents impacted by the
K-12 closure for this unique situation. Once these banks are depleted, any
remaining time will be paid as regular paid time through April 5.

Please note that due to health and safety reasons, our standard practice
remains not to allow children to attend work with their parents.

We have also received a number of questions regarding telecommuting options
for other employees on campus. We are currently developing plans that will
ensure that our technologies will support a large number of employees
working remotely. However, at this time, the university remains open, and
it is important we maintain the on -campus operations needed to meet the
on-going needs of the NMU community. We understand we are dealing with a
fluid situation and may need to make a different decision in the future. We
have a general plan for the university to do that. We are now starting to
meet with department heads to more specifically address the possibility of
how work can be managed remotely as it relates to each unit, as well as how
we will support the essential on-campus services that will still be
required.  I appreciate your input to your department heads as we continue
to work through these scenarios.

Being creative and caring in how we meet the needs of our employees – today
for the K-12 working parents – while still keeping the university open and
operational meets Governor Whitmer’s request that Michigan colleges and
universities do everything they can to keep their faculty and staff
employed during this challenging period. That is one of our top priorities.

If we all pull together, flex our innovative thinking, and stay focused on
keeping everyone healthy and safe, we can do this. I thank you for taking
on whatever role you have to as an NMU employee to help the University as a
whole successfully navigate the COVID-19 coronavirus situation.

I know there are questions. Please watch our coronavirus website for a
Frequently Asked Questions section, which we hope to have posted later
today or by Monday, as well as updates from me and others.

And, please, I can’t stress this enough – PLEASE stay home when you are
sick.

Fritz Erickson, NMU President

Leslie


Leslie A. Warren
Dean | Library and Instructional Support
Northern Michigan University
906-227-2117
1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
*Pronouns: she, her, hers*




On Fri, Mar 13, 2020 at 2:44 PM Stanczak, Cindy via Michlib-l <
michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:

> It's a good question, David, and one I haven't seen explicitly addressed
> yet.  Also, though, many senior day facilities, especially for those with
> dementia, Alzheimers, etc, are also closing.  Employees caring for their
> spouses or parents may be in the same need as parents.  I don't have an
> answer, but I'm glad you asked.
>
> Best wishes.
>
> Cynthia Stanczak, MLS
> Library Director
> Albion District Library
> 501 S. Superior St.
> Albion, MI  49224
> (517) 629-3993
>
> Albion District Library: Transforming Minds, Changing Lives.
> Proudly serving our community since 1919.
> Online at www.albionlibrary.org, or find us on Facebook!
>
> *My working day may not be your working day. Please do not feel obligated
> to reply to this email outside of your normal working hours.*
>
>
> On Fri, Mar 13, 2020 at 2:37 PM David Votta via Michlib-l <
> michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:
>
>> With the schools closing, how are libraries accommodating staff with
>> child care needs?
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>>
>>
>> David
>>
>>
>>
>> David Votta
>> Director
>> Charlotte Community Library
>>
>> 517.543.8859
>>
>> 226 S Bostwick
>>
>> Charlotte, MI  48813
>>
>>
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