UB issues guidelines on working remotely

With Erie County declaring a state of emergency on Sunday and UB continuing to remain open and fully operational, University Human Resources has issued some guidelines for UB employees who may wish to work remotely.

In an email to all UB employees, Mark Coldren, associate vice president for human resources, said that in order for employees to perform their work remotely, they must have a stable internet connection, telephone connection and a UB-compliant device, and be able to perform all their main duties from the remote location during the normal work shift or during a shift that is mutually agreed to with their supervisor.

Employees also must be able to respond to work-related requests and discussions via email, phone or online throughout their work shift.

Coldren noted that arrangements for alternate work sites “will be reevaluated as needed,” and assignments may be modified or revoked at any time.

He said the guidelines will remain in effect “so long as current circumstances involving the COVID-19 pandemic warrant.”

“The university will provide more guidance on how best to support remote work in the coming days,” he said. “We are requesting that supervisors maintain communication with and support their employees as circumstances evolve.”

He advised employees to refer to UB’s COVID-19 website and monitor their email for any developments and all other relevant updates that affect the university community.

Those with questions regarding remote work should contact Human Resources at 645-7777.