Staff FAQ
Additional information including staff-specific FAQs can be found on the my.Barnard portal, which is accessible remotely in any web browser (you will need to sign in).
Accommodations are available for staff members who are in high-risk categories for COVID-19. If you would like to avail yourself of these accommodations or have any questions, please speak to your managers.
The health and safety of Barnard’s work place is always important and of particular concern during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you don’t feel well, stay home, contact your primary care provider as per your local health department guidance (people in New York City should consult the NYC Health Coronavirus website), and notify your manager(s).
Employees who are well but have a sick family member at home should refer to the CDC webpage for guidance. Staff members can discuss any concerns with their managers.
There is now widespread community transmission of coronavirus in New York City. Following guidance from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, everyone should assume they have been exposed and act accordingly.
Please consult your local health department for guidance if you are feeling sick. People in New York City should consult the NYC Health Coronavirus website.
Cigna will cover the cost of COVID-19 testing; Emblem Health will not require a copay or require preauthorization. If you have other insurance, please consult your insurance provider.
If your sick leave accruals will be exhausted while you are out sick, please be in touch with Human Resources about your options for using other accruals during that time or your options for short-term disability.
If you have questions about the use or availability of sick leave, leaves of absence, including FMLA and New York State Paid Family Leave, or other work accommodations, you should contact the Human Resources. Generally, employees who are on an approved leave of absence remain eligible for all benefits.
The College is working as quickly as possible to implement systems to support flexible work plans. Managers of each unit are determining which positions in their team can work remotely, based on responsibilities of positions. Managers have been asked to discuss with staff what modes of transportation they use (within walking distance, driving, bus, train) and plans are taking that information into consideration.
On Friday Governor Cuomo announced an executive order requiring that most organizations and businesses operate with 100% of the workforce off-site, with some exceptions for essential functions and services as currently defined by the State. This means that the College will continue with our remote plans initiated during the Remote-Work Pilot Test for the foreseeable future. However staff who perform and support essential services, including remote education, security, and property maintenance will continue to be on campus.
The essential functions and services are defined by the guidance from the state, and may be updated from time to time. The Executive Order and the most recent guidance from the state can be found on governor.ny.gov. If you have questions about your role or responsibilities, please reach out to your manager as soon as possible.
The Governor also instituted “Matilda’s Law,” which includes various protections for vulnerable populations. As per Matilda’s Law, no employees aged 70 or older should report to work on-site. Please advise your manager if you fall into this category.
For those that are working remotely, we have gathered resources to assist you as you navigate this new working environment, including tips for remote work and communication, support for managers, and wellness resources that will be updated regularly. Please login to my.barnard.edu and you will see the resources and links listed under “Latest News” on the left side of the home page.
While employees are working remotely, there is no change to their salary amount or the frequency of their pay.
Hourly employees are expected to record all hours worked accurately. Hours worked in excess of those scheduled per day, and per workweek, requires the advance approval of the supervisor.
Please contact your Manager to discuss specific equipment requirements for your position. The College is working with managers to ensure that staff have the means to effectively do their job remotely.
The instructions to access your telephone remotely can be found on the Columbia website. Please discuss with your manager if your position necessitates setting up remote phone access.
Enhanced cleaning has been implemented across campus and we have increased the availability of hand sanitizers across campus. Empty dispensers and any restroom needs such as soap or paper towels should be immediately reported to Facilities Services at facilities@barnard.edu. In addition, we are sharing healthy habit tips across campus through posters, social media and postcards.
Barnard’s Facility Services is frequently cleaning common areas, including high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, push plates, water fountains, elevator buttons.
The College is still open and employees are expected to report to work. If you feel you cannot come to work, you should discuss this with your manager and/or HR. We do recognize that information about this situation may cause stress and anxiety and that plays out for different individuals in different ways. If you find yourself feeling anxious, frightened, or worried, please contact Humana EAP - username: barnard :: password: eap.
All Barnard-related travel, both international and domestic, is suspended for all students, faculty and staff until further notice. Additionally, all Barnard students, faculty, and staff are strongly urged to postpone any nonessential personal international travel until further notice.
If personal international travel is essential, you are required to fill out our Confidential Travel Registration Form at least 72-hours prior to your return to the US. We will provide you with individualized instructions and you may be required to self-isolate or self-quarantine at home for a minimum of 14-days and remain symptom free before returning to campus.
The U.S. has also implemented travel restrictions. We suggest you closely monitor the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Travel Warnings for any additions or changes in travel alerts as well as Executive Orders and guidance issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of State, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Please note that the College's ability to provide assistance to travelers who wish to return to the United States from abroad is limited.