Over the past several weeks, The University of Alabama has seen low COVID infection numbers, expanded campus vaccinations to all eligible employees and students, and received updated guidance from the CDC. With no COVID positives reported among faculty and staff in the last two weeks, we are pleased with these significant indicators and look forward to continued progress.
The following COVID-related programs will expire on May 15:
- UA-Provided COVID Leave: When federal COVID benefits expired at the end of 2020, UA President Stuart Bell authorized The University of Alabama to provide faculty and staff campus-funded 2021 COVID Leave as a special temporary benefit. This benefit replaced a similar federal program that allowed employees up to 80 hours of paid leave for certain qualifying reasons related to COVID-19.
No COVID Leave may be used beyond May 31, and new requests for COVID Leave will not be considered after May 15. Anyone with approved COVID Leave that is scheduled before May 15, but extends beyond May 16, can continue with their approved leave through May 31.
- COVID Accommodations: As previously planned, all temporary COVID accommodations will expire May 15, and staggered work schedules will end the same day. Faculty/staff should return to campus workspaces for regular hours beginning Monday, May 17.
The University was pleased to offer temporary COVID accommodations and leave for specific needs. Although those benefits will no longer be available after May 15, employees will keep and continue to accrue their regular sick leave and annual leave, and may apply for accommodations under pre-pandemic benefits and programs.
The COVID Support Program remains operational and available to answer questions at 205-348-CV19. Vaccinations on campus continue, and everyone is encouraged to be vaccinated as doses and timelines allow. If you previously opted out of a vaccine and wish to reapply, please contact the COVID Support Program.
We appreciate the dedication, flexibility and resolve shown by UA employees over the last year. If you have any questions related to your return to your campus workspace, please talk with your supervisor, visit the HR website COVID Leave FAQs or the General Employee FAQs, or call the HR Service Center at 205-348-7732.