General
1
Who are the individuals in the at-risk category for COVID-19?
As defined by the Centers for Disease Control, at-risk individuals are older people or people with a serious chronic medical condition such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
Employee / Work Guidance
1
I am an employee who is in the at-risk population and am practicing self-isolation to avoid contact with others. Am I excused from my Michigan Tech work obligations?
Please contact your supervisor and continue to work remotely if possible.
Updated May 29, 2020, 7:15 a.m.
2
I am an employee who has traveled outside Michigan's Region 8 and Region 6, and must follow Michigan Tech protocol to self-isolate for 14 days. What are my options?
Please contact your supervisor and work remotely during the 14-day self-isolation period. If working remotely is not an option, please see the University's Pandemic Leave Protocol.
Updated May 28, 2020, 7:15 a.m.
3
I am an employee who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and am subject to the CDC's 14-day quarantine period. What are my options?
Employees adhering to the CDC's 14-day isolation period must contact their immediate supervisor and work remotely. If working remotely is not an option, please see the Pandemic Leave Protocol.
Updated March 24, 2020, 8:30 a.m.
4
If I choose to stay home by my own choice and not work remotely, can I use vacation? How long am I able to exercise this option?
Vacation requests will be handled by your supervisor on a case-by-case basis following the normal procedures for requesting time off from work.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
5
Are there ways I can maintain my productivity and well-being while working from home?
From establishing a dedicated workspace to taking regular breaks, we've got proven strategies to help faculty and staff.
Added March 31, 2020, 1:30 p.m.
6
If I can't work remotely but live with someone who is in the CDC-defined at-risk population and I fear exposing them to COVID-19, what are my options?
Contact your immediate supervisor and work remotely. If working remotely is not an option, please see the Pandemic Leave Protocol.
Updated March 24, 2020, 8:30 a.m.
7
Now that there is a mandate to work from home (if possible), do I still need to fill out the remote work form?
No, we are no longer requiring this form. However, we have put together some guidelines for remote work as well as tips on how to be successful working from home.
Added March 24, 2020, 8:30 a.m.
8
Who determines the key emergency personnel who must report to work if the University closes?
Human Resources is working with departments to assist in making this determination.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave—Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Additional information and FAQs about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act are available.
Payroll, Health / Paid Time Off Benefits
1
How does the Families First Coronavirus Response Act affect my paid sick leave and family and medical leave options?
You can learn more in the Family Rights announcement we've shared that was issued by the United States Department of Labor.
Added March 31, 2020, 1:30 p.m.
2
Can employees use sick time or other paid time off to care for a family member who has COVID-19, or to stay home to take care of their children if schools close?
Yes. Please see the Pandemic Leave Protocol.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
3
I am not able to work remotely, will I be required to use my sick and/or vacation time if I run out of Pandemic Leave?
Yes, once you have used 80 hours of Pandemic Leave, you will have to use any other paid time off that you may have (including sick, personal, annual leave, PTO, or vacation).
Added March 24, 2020, 8:30 a.m.
4
If I'm sick, will Michigan Tech require a doctor's note?
During this time, we ask supervisors to remain flexible and not require a doctor's note.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
5
Will short-term disability kick in for those who are self-isolating or fall under the CDC's 14-day isolation guidelines?
Michigan Tech's short-term disability will follow normal procedures and plans. Unum has indicated Michigan Tech's plan does not have a self- or CDC-mandated isolation provision. Employees in these situations will be allowed to use sick leave time.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
6
Will Michigan Tech's health care plan cover expenses related to treatment of COVID-19?
Michigan Tech's plan will cover 100 percent of testing costs for the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, Michigan Tech is waiving member cost sharing for all COVID-19 treatment through June 30, 2020. The IRS has approved payment of medical expenses by high deductible health plans for COVID-19 testing and treatment without regard to satisfaction of the HDHP deductible. This means treatment costs will be covered at 100 percent and no co-payments will be required.
Updated April 3, 2020, 11:30 a.m.
7
If I'm covered by Michigan Tech's BCBSM plan, can I use Telehealth access for non-emergency illnesses?
Yes. For non-emergency illnesses we encourage you to use Michigan Tech’s Blue Cross Blue Shield Online Visits. Effective immediately through April 30, 2020 100 percent of Telehealth/Online Visits will be covered in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
8
If the University closes, will employees that do not have to report to work be paid?
Michigan Tech will follow the University Closure Policy.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
9
I am an employee (student or non-student) whose hours have been reduced or eliminated by the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. Are there any resources to help me?
Michigan Tech has set up a Husky Emergency Assistance Fund as well as a Husky WorkReady program. Please contact HR at 906-487-2280 for other potential options.
Updated March 30, 2020, 12:00 p.m.
Students and Temporary Employees
1
Will the COVID-19 test be covered by Wellfleet insurance?
Wellfleet will cover student member costs for COVID-19 testing. Wellfleet will waive all co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance. Similar to a preventive visit, like an annual physical, the member will have no out-of-pocket costs for testing.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
2
As a student employee, will I still be allowed to work during this time?
Ask your immediate supervisor about remote work options first. There may be options to change your duties.
Verified March 23, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
3
I am an employee (student or non-student) whose hours have been reduced or eliminated by the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. Are there any resources to help me?
Michigan Tech has set up a Husky Emergency Assistance Fund as well as a Husky WorkReady program. Please contact HR at 906-487-2280 for other potential options.
Updated March 30, 2020, 12:00 p.m.
Temporary Employees
1
How do temporary employees accrue sick leave, and how do I check my sick leave balance?
Temporary employees, excluding student employees, receive .029 hours of sick leave per one hour of work reported. You can check your sick leave balance on Banweb under the Leave Balances tab.
Added March 25, 2020, 4:30 p.m.
2
How do temporary employees use sick leave?
Use of sick leave needs to be approved by your supervisor. When you complete your timesheet, you'll enter the sick leave code.
Added March 25, 2020, 4:30 p.m.