HR Update on Remote Work and Benefits (4/1)

Dear USF employees,

OnMarch 15, President Currall directed all USF employees who were able to work remotely to do so. At that time, students had moved to remote instruction through at least April 6, and the directive to employees similarly expressed a potential to return to work by that time. However, since the release of that letter, USF has extended remote instruction for students for the duration of the spring semester. Additionally, local"Safer at Home"orders have limited the movement of all but essential employees for the foreseeable future.

While USF does qualify as an "essential business", as a public university, President Currall continues to urge any USF employees who can work from home to do so until further notice. Only employees who have been designated as critical staff by Emergency Management for the purpose of the COVID-19 response should come to campus for any reason. These employees have official documentation from Emergency Management that they must keep with them at all times while on campus.

Employees whose job duties do not allow for remote work should work with their supervisors to design work arrangements that fulfill their obligations while complying with CDC social distancing guidance and protecting their health, as well as the health of others. If you have questions or concerns about your specific work assignment, contact your supervisor or Division of Human Resources Employee Relations team at employee-relations@usf.edu or your Regional HR Office or USF Health HR Office.

We would also like to share some important guidance about enhanced services from our State of Florida carriers and Benefits Providers. It is our hope that these new services will be beneficial to you as we navigate the challenges of remote work, social distancing and efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus.

1. NEW TeleHealth services – Offered through Department of Management Services for State of Florida covered employers and covered members in the HMO and PPO plans. Effective immediately, members of the State Group Insurance Health Plans (Standard and High Deductible HMO Plans and the PPO Plan) may use telehealth to access covered health care services from in-network or contracted health care practitioners acting within the scope of their licenses and Florida law. Telehealth services, related to the diagnosis and treatment of the COVID-19 virus or any other preventive care service, will be covered the same as a visit to a participating provider in his or her physical office location.  MA20-001 provides the details. Contact your healthcare provider to confirm participation or reach out to your Health Program Carrier (AvMed, Florida Blue, Aetna) on the MyBenefits website. 
2. USF Federal Credit Union – Special Loans and Financial assistance available.  Information on assistance from USFFCU can be found on their website at https://www.usffcu.com/HereForYou. They are offering Skip-a-Pay, Hardship Loans and other services for USFFCU members.
3. NEW Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – Employees currently enrolled in the USF Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan should reach out to Fidelity or TIAA for information on Loans and Hardship Withdrawals available to them within the Plan. www.netbenefits.com/usf Read an article related to the CARES Act here.
4. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Magellan Health Services has expanded their services to offer TeleHealth services to participants.  More information on this is posted to the DHR EAP webpage.

With the goal of providing clear and comprehensive communication about services and programs that are available to our employees during this unprecedented time, USF Human Resources will continue to share updates as we receive them. Our thoughts continue to be with each member of our USF community as we navigate through this crisis together.

Stay safe and healthy, GO BULLS!