HR Issues Update on Return to Campus Information and Exemptions

Human Resource Services has released an update concerning return-to-campus information and exemptions. The message reads as follows:

Upon approval by SUNY and New York State, Stony Brook University plans to begin the fall semester with a blend of in-person and remote classes, an adjusted academic calendar and an emphasis on the use of face coverings, social distancing, enhanced cleaning and other public health measures. We will have a science-based COVID-19 containment program that includes comprehensive testing and contact tracing and is consistent with federal, state and local health department guidelines. All of this will be in service to our mission to provide opportunities for our students to progress academically in their undergraduate, graduate and professional education. We will incorporate appropriate health and safety measures and will actively cultivate a campus culture that has all campus community members following requisite public health guidelines.

Information
The COVID-19 Telephone Information Line

We have implemented a confidential telephone information line as a resource for employees who have general and work-related questions about COVID-19.  This number includes the Health Information Line (HIL), Health Resources Information Line (HRIL) and FSA Employee Information Line (FSAIL).  This line is available to all employees of the West Campus, Health Sciences Center, and the School of Medicine, and can be accessed by calling (631) 632-5000 (on campus 2-5000).  Stony Brook University Hospital employees and clinical faculty in the Renaissance School of Medicine SOM should contact HR at (631) 444-4700 or at sbuhhr@stonybrookmedicine.edu.  LISVH employees should contact HR at (631) 444-8617.

Request for an exemption for telecommuting or alternative work assignment

• All requests for an exemption will be treated in a confidential manner. Age and health information will not be shared with the employee’s unit, department or division. Management will simply be advised of the recommended exemption, schedule modification or alternative work arrangement.
• Concerns related to the exemption process may be brought to the Office of Equity & Access for review.

 Exemptions

• Faculty, staff and graduate student employees who have an underlying medical condition determined by the CDC to place them at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, or who live with someone with an underlying medical condition, or who are pregnant, and who wish to request a telecommuting or alternative work assignment, will be asked to provide documentation, as appropriate, to support such a recommendation. 
• Faculty and staff who are 65 years of age and over may also request a telecommuting or alternative arrangement.  Recommendations for such arrangements will be referred by HIL to HRS, which will notify the appropriate supervisor(s). 
• Employees seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act may also contact the Office of Equity and Access (OEA) directly.
• Employees who do not have an underlying condition or who do not wish to provide supporting medical documentation and wish to request a telecommuting or alternative work assignment may speak to their immediate supervisor directly or to Surita Bhatia, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, for West Campus faculty; to Stella Tsirka, Dean for Faculty Affairs, for East Campus faculty; and to the appropriate Human Resources Services for staff.  Graduate student employees may contact Eric Wertheimer, Dean and Vice Provost of the Graduate School. Individuals may also contact the Human Resources Information Line (option 2, below) to discuss possible alternative work arrangements. 

COVID-19 Telephone Information Line Descriptions (631-632-5000)

Option One: The Health Information Line (HIL)
This line is staffed by licensed health care providers who are available to:

• Help answer questions about an existing health condition;
• Help answer questions if you are pregnant;
• Provide information if you believe you have symptoms of or have been exposed to COVID-19;
• Provide quarantine information, whether precautionary or mandated;
• Discuss concerns about being in the workplace and provide recommendations for telecommuting or alternative work assignments.

Information provided to the HIL staff is confidential. It will not be used for medical treatment purposes, nor is the information provided to you meant to constitute medical advice.  For medical treatment/advice, please call your personal physician.

The HIL is open to receive messages every day, including weekends (not holidays) and is checked by staff throughout the day.  Messages left from 8:30 am -5:00 pm will generally be returned that same day.  Messages left after hours will be returned within 24 hours.

Option two (2): The Human Resources Information Line (HRIL)
This line can provide general information to State and Research Foundation employees regarding alternate work arrangements/locations and can answer questions about the use of accruals and leaves. This line is open M-F 8:30-5:00.

Option three (3): FSA Employee Information Line
This line is for FSA employees who wish to speak to FSA Human Resources, which can provide similar information to that provided by the HRIL.

These phone lines receive a number of calls. If they are busy, or if you are calling outside the workday, please leave a detailed message (name, employee ID number, and a return phone number) on the appropriate line, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Remember, if at any time you have a medical emergency you should call 911.