COVID-19 Employee Guide
UB continues to adjust our workplace to protect our community during this fast-changing and unpredictable pandemic. UB employees are advised to stay informed of the university’s most recent COVID-19 protocols.
For more information or help with employee COVID-19 concerns, please contact:
UB Human Resources
716-645-7777
ub-hr@buffalo.edu
Latest on coronavirus
Starting Saturday, March 5, the University at Buffalo will make masks optional on its campuses in most settings:
- Students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will no longer be required to wear masks in most settings, indoors or outdoors.
- Anyone who wishes to continue wearing a mask in a classroom, office or any other campus space is encouraged to do so.
- In keeping with state and federal regulations, masks will continue to be mandatory for everyone aboard UB buses and shuttles and in clinical health care settings (e.g. UB Health Services, Dental School facilities, on-campus testing sites) on campus.
- UB faculty, staff and students who work or learn at hospitals, nursing homes, clinics or diagnostic and treatment centers off campus must continue to comply with any site-specific regulations in place.
- All campus community members who have regular on-campus contact and are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations must continue to participate in weekly surveillance testing, including those with an approved medical or religious exemption.
Remember: There are many reasons that individuals may continue to wear a mask, including those who are:
- Unvaccinated
- Immunocompromised
- Living with someone at higher risk
Please be kind and respectful toward others in our UB community.
Faculty and academic support staff, see Guidance for faculty and academic support staff.
| Form | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Vaccination or Booster for Employees | Employees can submit proof of vaccination or booster to Human Resources. By submitting this proof, you will be exempt from mandatory weekly surveillance testing. | COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination and Booster for Employees |
| Acknowledgment of Workplace Health and Safety Provisions | All employees are expected to submit this form acknowledging their obligation to follow updated COVID-19 return-to-work guidance from SUNY and the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER). | Acknowledgment of Workplace Health and Safety Provisions for Employees (UBITName login required) |
| Flexible Work Program Application | Faculty and staff may use this form to request flexible work such as a compressed work week, flexible start and end times and telecommuting. Applications may be submitted at any time; there is no specified application period. | Flexible Work Program Application |
Human Resources provides further detail on some COVID-19 prevention practices at UB.
COVID-19 Testing
Updated 3/2/22
Working Remotely
Updated 3/2/2022
On August 2, 2021, the new SUNY Telecommuting Policy was distributed to the University at Buffalo for implementation at the campus level. The policy has been officially extended by the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) through June 30, 2022 (March 31, 2022 for PEF-represented employees).
COVID-related Absences
- If you suspect you have COVID-19, please contact Human Resources or your supervisor immediately. We will provide guidance.
- If you are unable to report to work because of a nonmedical COVID-19 situation (e.g., caring for a child whose school or day care is closed; caring for a family member with COVID-19), please contact your supervisor. They will work with UB Human Resources (HR) to determine what benefits or leave options may be available (e.g., accruals, NYSPFL, FMLA, or other) and to consider whether there are any alternative work arrangements that would allow you to perform essential job duties.
Traveling for Work
- The university strongly recommends that UB faculty, staff and students avoid traveling to regions that are impacted by the virus.
- Employees who travel are advised to follow NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory Guidelines
Resources
You can learn more about UB’s and New York State’s guidelines and protocols for COVID-19 from these resources:
COVID-19: UB Planning and Response
- Health and safety information for the university community
- How UB is moving forward during COVID-19
Student Guidance
- Staying healthy together
- Living and dining tips
- Campus resources
- Get the most from your experience
Research Ramp Up and Guidance
- Guidance for resuming research activities
- Lab ramp-up checklists and policies