The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has announced guidelines for employees who need to request alternative work arrangements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guidelines, available for review online, were developed by the Forward to Fall committee and are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was announced in a message sent to vice chancellors and campus supervisors by Forward to Fall committee leaders Amy Goodburn, senior associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate education; and Bob Wilhelm, vice chancellor for research and economic development.

“All leaders and supervisors are encouraged to give serious consideration to alternative work arrangements,” Goodburn and Wilhelm said in the message. “We need to be creative in continuing to meet our educational and service missions while remaining flexible and nimble in how we support those missions.”

The guidelines allow for two methods to request an alternative work arrangement:

• Based on criteria in the eligibility section, an accommodation request can be made via the Faculty/Staff Disability Services website; or

• If employees do not meet set criteria, they can submit an alternative work arrangement through Human Resources.

University leadership is encouraging employees to work remotely whenever possible through at least June 30. Learn more about current campus guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information will be announced.

Faculty teaching in the fall are strongly encouraged to submit requests by June 15 so instructional planning can begin.

The principles and guidelines for alternative work arrangements due to COVID-19 are in effect as of June 5. They will be reviewed/updated as needed.