FAQ's for Employees

 

Frequently Asked Questions
Resource for Faculty and Staff Employees
During H1N1 Outbreak
 
 *This document will be updated as new information and questions are brought to our attention.
**Nothing contained in this document is intended to supersede Pace policy or collective bargaining agreements.
 
  1. 1. What should I do if I am experiencing flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, cough, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea?
  • Notify your supervisor that you are ill and suffering flu-like symptoms. According to new CDC guidelines, faculty and staff who live either on or off campus and who have influenza like illness should stay away from others for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone—except to get medical care or for any other necessity.  Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine before resuming normal activity. Avoid contact with others during this time period even if you are taking antiviral medication for treatment of the flu. 
  1. 2. If I become sick at work can my supervisor make me leave work?
  • Yes. Persons who become ill with the symptoms of influenza should immediately minimize contact with others to avoid transmission of the disease.
     
  1. 3. If I have the flu, will I be paid while I am out? 
    • If you are eligible, you may be paid for the days you are at home recuperating as indicated in Pace’s Attendance Policy on page 13 of the Employee Handbook. www.pace.edu/page.cfm?doc_id=9079
    • If you are absent for more than 3 consecutive days, a statement from your physician may be required.
    • If you are required to stay home more than 7 consecutive calendar days, on the 8th consecutive day, you may become eligible to apply for Short Term Disability coverage. www.pace.edu/page.cfm?doc_id=10839#Short%20Term%20Disability

       
  2. 4. What should I do if I learn that someone I have been in direct contact with has tested positive for H1N1? 
    • If you feel well yourself, you should come to work as usual. Practice the recommended methods of flu prevention:  
       
      + Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

      + Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  Hand sanitizer dispensers are now located in high-traffic areas throughout Pace.

      + Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; this spreads germs.

      + Avoid close contact with others who are sick, if possible.

       
    • Monitor your health every day for symptoms of flu-like illness and notify your supervisor and stay home if you become ill. 
       
  1. 5. I am not ill but do not want to come to work for fear of becoming ill. What should I do?
    • If you feel well, you should come to work as usual.
    • It is important to educate yourself about the H1N1 virus and its transmission.  Visit Pace’s home page at www.pace.edu/pace/h1n1flu/ to obtain information about the virus and Pace’s response to the outbreak and pandemic.
    • You may request to take vacation, personal, or unpaid leave, however your supervisor may elect not to grant approval based upon various factors (i.e. the department is already short-staffed). These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 
    • If you are pregnant, over 65, or have underlying health conditions that may increase your risk of developing complications related to the flu, consult with your health care provider to discuss your concerns and appropriate strategies to support your health. 

       
  2. 6. What should I do if I have to stay home to care for a child/parent/spouse/domestic partner who has influenza? Will I be paid during the time I am out?  
    • You can be paid for the days you are home caring for your family member using your accrued and unused vacation or personal time. If you do not have enough time available to cover your absence from work, or you are not eligible for paid time off, you may request an unpaid leave. 
    • If you have to stay home to care for someone who has influenza, but feel well yourself, you may be able to telecommute. You may put in a request with your direct supervisor to determine if your job duties are such that your work can be performed remotely and in the short term. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and determinations made in accordance with the needs, requirements and constraints of both the department and the employee. If your request is approved, you will be expected to return to your usual working arrangements as soon as the situation will allow.  
    • Continue to practice the recommended methods of flu prevention: 
o    Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o    Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  Hand sanitizer dispensers are now located in high-traffic areas throughout Pace.
o    Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; this spreads germs.
o    Avoid close contact with others who are sick, if possible.
    • Monitor your health every day for symptoms of flu-like illness and notify your supervisor if you yourself become ill. 

       
  1. 7. I am not ill nor are my children but their school district or day care is closed and I have no other child care arrangements. What should I do? Will I be paid for the time?
    • Notify your supervisor of the situation and the fact that you need to stay home from work. 
    • You may be able to telecommute. You may put in a request with your direct supervisor to determine if your job duties are such that your work can be performed remotely and in the short term. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and determinations made in accordance with the needs, requirements and constraints of both the department and the employee. If your request is approved, you will be expected to return to your usual working arrangements as soon as the situation will allow.  
    • You can be paid using your accrued and unused vacation or personal time. If you do not have enough time available to cover your absence from work, or you are not eligible for paid time off, you may request an unpaid leave. 
    • Please be advised that it is not recommended or advisable, and in many work areas, is prohibited, to bring your child to work with you.

       
  2. 8. If the Governor shuts down state buildings and/or services will everything be closed like a snow day?
    • All employees and faculty members will be notified through the Pace web site, e-mail and text messaging, as applicable, that the university is closed. It is your responsibility to continue to check the website and any other avenue your supervisor has deemed appropriate to gain updates regarding a partial or full closure.
    • In the event of a partial or full closure of the university, essential support services will be needed. If you have been identified as an essential service position, you will be required to work remotely. 
    • If you are in an essential service position and become ill, you are required to notify your supervisor and your back-up that you are unable to work remotely so that adequate coverage of your work may be arranged.

       
  3. 9. During this H1N1 influenza outbreak and pandemic, under what circumstances could my supervisor revoke vacation or personal leave requests that have already been approved?
    • Your supervisor has the authority to cancel any pre-approved vacation or personal leave requests, especially in circumstances where there are serious staff shortages as a result of illness.
    • Any pre-approved leave requests could also be cancelled if your job is considered an essential service position.

       
  4. 10. Can my supervisor schedule me to work hours or shifts that I normally do not work?
    • You may be asked to work more hours or different hours than normal, especially if your position is considered an essential service position, or the university is short-staffed as a result of the influenza outbreak. However, the university will honor state and federal laws as they relate to wages and hours.

       
  5. 11. If there are large numbers of employees who are unable to come to work because of the influenza outbreak and possible pandemic, is there are maximum number of overtime hours my supervisor can require me to work? 
    • In the event serious illness becomes more severe or widespread, everyone may need to work differently to ensure the university continues to function. You may be asked to work more hours or different hours than normal, especially if the university is short-staffed as a result of the influenza outbreak. However, the university will honor state and federal laws as they relate to wages and hours.

       
  6. 12. Are flu vaccinations available on campus for faculty and staff?
  7. 13. Will Pace’s health insurance plan cover medical expenses associated with an influenza outbreak or pandemic?
    • Yes. If you participate in Pace University’s medical plan, you will have the same coverage that is currently available for any emergency or non-emergency illness. For additional coverage details, visit the Benefits web page at www.pace.edu/page.cfm?doc_id=7803.

       
  8. 14. What if I need to take an extended leave of absence during which time I am unable to work?
    • You may be eligible to take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). For full details on the policy, please visit the web site at www.pace.edu/page.cfm?doc_id=9368#FMLA.   

  9. 15. What assistance is available to help me cope with the emotional impact of this stressful situation?
    • Pace provides resources to help employees and family members cope with these types of life events through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You can reach United Behavioral Health, 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, at 1-866-248-4096.
      You can also get information on-line at www.liveandworkwell.com. Our access code is 61530.
       
  10. 16. Where can I find the latest information on information pertaining to H1N1 at Pace?
    • Visit Pace’s flu web page at www.pace.edu/H1N1flu to obtain information about the virus and any actions Pace takes in response to the outbreak and pandemic.
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions
Resource for Supervisors
During H1N1 Outbreak
 
  1. 1. What should I do if one of my direct reports has notified me that he or she is experiencing flu-like symptoms? 
  • If the employee is asking to go home or stay home, grant the request. If the employee is ill and has come to work, he or she should be sent home until at least 24 hours after free of fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications. 
  • Inform fellow employees of their possible exposure in the workplace to influenza-like illness but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • You are required, as a manager, to track this information in the Illness/Absenteeism Reporting tool, located at http://aspnetweb.pace.edu/flutracker/.
  1. 2. How do I handle requests from my staff to work from home?
    • As the supervisor, you have the authority to evaluate and decide upon these requests. They should be considered on a case-by-case basis and determinations made in accordance with the needs, requirements and constraints of both the department and the employee. 
    • If the employee is ill, he or she cannot work either in the office or remotely.
    • If you decide to approve the request, you will be responsible for setting appropriate expectations at the onset of the agreement and continuing to manage the employee’s performance, time and work product. Any telecommuting arrangement should be short-term only and the employee should be expected to return to his or her usual working arrangements as soon as the situation will allow.  You will also be expected to ensure that all necessary equipment and access to systems be granted at the time of approval. 
    • If you require assistance evaluating a particular request to work remotely, please contact Betsy Garti, Director of University Employee Relations at 914-923-2781 or egarti@pace.edu.
       
  2. 3. What should I do if a direct report is not ill but is asking to stay home for fear of becoming ill?
    • Employees who are feeling well should come to work as usual.
    • They may request to take accrued and unused vacation, personal, or unpaid leave, however you may elect not to grant approval based upon various factors (i.e. the department is already short-staffed). These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 
       
  3. 4. What are my responsibilities if I supervise employees identified as essential service positions?
    • Make sure you have a specific plan in place with regard to managing the critical operations of your department from a remote location. Ensure these employees are aware of their responsibilities and equipped with the necessary equipment and systems access to fulfill the requirements of their job.
    • You have the authority to cancel any pre-approved vacation or personal leave requests in circumstances where your staff member is considered an essential service position and he or she is required to work.