Employees FAQ

1. The University has curtailed operations on campus beginning March 9. What does this mean for me?
Governor Cuomo announced an executive order on Friday, March 20, mandating that all New York state businesses and non-profit organizations move 100% of their workforce off site, with a narrow handful of exceptions by 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2020. 

We are asking managers to implement a reduction in the on-site workforce per the order, with the exception of “essential” staff, as designated by the item numbers within the executive order. The spirit of the order is to have as few people on site as possible. 

Based on this guidance, the following functions may be deemed essential:

  • Essential infrastructure, including utilities
  • Telecom and data centers
  • Places of accommodation
  • Nurse’s office (Walk-in health facility)
  • Trash recycling collection, processing and disposal
  • Mail and shipping service
  • Building cleaning and maintenance
  • Animal shelter
  • Accounting and Payroll
  • Skilled trades – electricians, plumbers
  • Law enforcement and security
  • Disinfection

If an employee’s physical presence on campus is not essential, the individual will be expected to fulfill their job responsibilities remotely unless instructed otherwise. Remote employees are encouraged to engage appropriate technologies to collaborate with their colleagues. University personnel will be informed by their managers whether they are required to work from home or report to campus.

2. Will I continue to be paid?

Employee pay will continue to be disbursed on its regular schedule. Any employee currently receiving a paper check will receive it by mail at their permanent address on file unless specific arrangements are made by contacting [email protected]. Employees not currently enrolled in direct deposit are urged to enroll in direct deposit as soon as possible. If you need assistance with enrolling in direct deposit, please contact Payroll Services at [email protected].

Human Resources Management has published guidance on pay and working from home for employees.

3. I don’t have a good computer set-up at home. If I need to work from home, may I take my work desktop computer home for the duration of this emergency? What if I don’t have access to the internet from home?
If you do not have access to a computer, please discuss with IT Customer Care whether Fordham can loan you a laptop for a period of time.

If you do not have access to the internet from home, the University can arrange for you to borrow a portable hotspot on a temporary basis.

Contact IT Customer Care with your technology-related questions. You may call 718-817-3999 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

4. I am scheduled to present at/attend an upcoming conference. Should I cancel my plans?
To mitigate the risk of increased personal and communal viral exposure to COVID-19, the University is suspending all non-essential university-sponsored travel for faculty, administrators, and staff. University-sponsored travel would include those activities that are organized by the University, paid for entirely or in part with University funds, or involve the traveler(s) representing the institution in some formal capacity (e.g., attending a professional conference or meeting). If one believes that an upcoming university-sponsored trip involving faculty, administrators, or staff is essential and cannot be deferred, a petition for exemption should be sent to the relevant vice president overseeing the individual’s division.

On March 18, 2020, the US Department of State implemented a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for all US citizens. Many areas of the world are impacted by the novel coronavirus and greater travel restrictions have been imposed that may limit mobility. Therefore, Fordham strongly urges you to reconsider any personal international travel. As the virus is spreading rapidly and laboratory testing becomes more readily available, it is entirely conceivable that you may end up in a quarantined zone or that a country you just visited becomes added to the CDC list of level-2 or level-3 countries facing coronavirus outbreaks. Either of these two scenarios would require you to self-quarantine for up to 14 days on your return to NYC.

5. While I do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, the rapid spread of the virus has been a source of great stress and concern. Does Fordham offer resources or services to address these challenges?
We recognize that many individuals are understandably feeling overwhelmed and anxious during this challenging period. Your overall well-being is of great concern to us. Fordham’s Employee Assistance Program offers short-term counseling and related services and referrals for employees feeling anxious. You may also choose to ask United Healthcare for referrals to in-network mental health professionals. Please contact the Office of Human Resources Management to learn more about these employee assistance programs.

6. Will my Fordham-sponsored healthcare plan cover medical expenses associated with testing for and treatment of COVID-19?
Yes, you will have the same coverage that is currently available for any emergency or non-emergency illness, subject to the normal deductible, copay, or out-of-pocket amounts associated with your medical plan. If you meet the CDC guidelines, and it's requested by your doctor, UHC will waive costs for COVID-19 testing. If you have coverage questions on testing, testing locations, treatments or anything else, please call the number on your health plan ID card.

If you're an eligible UnitedHealthcare and OptumRx member who needs help obtaining an early prescription refill, please call the number on your health plan ID card for assistance.

Starting March 19, 2020, UHC is waiving all costs for Virtual Visits for 90 days.

For additional coverage details visit the Benefits Webpage or contact UnitedHealthcare.

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