Governor’s phased “reopening” of Connecticut now underway

Dear Colleague,

With the Governor’s phased “reopening” of Connecticut now underway, Yale has begun its own phased reactivation of the University. As we welcome a limited number of staff back to campus, it is important to note that, as a general principle, those who can work from home must continue to do so unless specifically asked to return by a Vice President, Dean, or their designees.

As Senior Vice President of Operations Jack Callahan announced last week, Yale has implemented temporary policies from June 1, through July 10 to support staff already working on campus and those newly assigned to return.

I write today to provide additional guidance on returning to work for managerial and professional staff.

Workplace and Pay Guidance

As previously shared, through July 10, Yale will continue to provide pay and benefits for all employees who are on payroll and are willing and able to work, regardless of whether they have been asked to return to campus or whether their work can be done remotely. Additionally, those who pay for Yale parking will not be charged through July, and everyone required to work on campus through July 10 will be allowed to park for free at Yale lots. There is no need to email the parking office to request a rebate.

Shuttles will be running but at reduced occupancy levels. Although we generally encourage public transportation, for the next few months, you may want to walk, bike, or take your car to work to avoid public transportation and the Yale shuttle. If you do take public transportation or the Yale shuttle, please follow social distancing rules and wear a mask or face-covering.

Childcare Support

As recently announced, we have added new enhancements to the back-up childcare benefit offered to faculty, managerial and professional staff, and post-doctoral associates. Starting June 3, and through December 31, the university, through the Bright Horizons Family Solutions Company, will offer an additional 10 days of emergency back-up care, for a total of 20 back-up care days. More information regarding this new benefit can be found on the COVID-19 Childcare Resources website.

Flexible Work Schedules

The university is offering two voluntary programs this summer that will allow managerial and professional staff the opportunity to reduce their hours. Requests for these new programs will need to be approved by relevant supervisors. They include:

• Summer schedule - A reduced work week can take the form of a shorter workday or a shorter work week. A minimum of 20 hours per week must be worked to maintain eligibility for benefits.
• Summer months – Managerial and professional staff may take up to three months of personal leave and will continue to receive benefits.

For more information, please email employee.services@yale.edu.

Retirement Programs

As previously announced, to support managerial and professional staff who may be considering retirement, the university is offering a time-limited benefit. Retirement-eligible managerial and professional staff who retire between May 26, 2020, and July 31, 2020, are eligible to receive a one-time payment of $1,500 for each completed year of service.

Alternatively, an incentive of $1,000 for each year of service has been added for enrolling in a phased retirement option of six-months or one-year, if the program is elected by October 30, 2020, and started no later than January 1, 2021.

For phased retirement options, the current two-year program will be available for enrollment only through October 30, 2020, and the phased retirement schedule must begin by January 1, 2021.

The It’s Your Yale website has been updated to reflect the new and current staff phased retirement options.

Returning to Campus

The COVID-19 Workplace Guidance website has been updated to provide guidance on safety, childcare support, and information regarding the required training that all staff must complete when they are instructed to return to campus, I encourage all staff, whether working on campus or returning to campus soon, to visit the site to learn more about the protocols that are being put into place to support your health, safety, and well-being at Yale.

My deepest thanks to you during this challenging time, and my best wishes to you and your families.

Sincerely,

Janet Lindner
Vice President for Human Resources & Administration