TAKE 10: FAQs for Returning to NOVA

June 24, 2021 / Uncategorized

NOVA will begin transitioning employees back to on-site work this month. Here are ten Frequently Asked Questions to help answer your questions.

  1. What safety protocols will remain in place for our return?
    NOVA continues to provide a safe work location for all NOVA employees.  Safety protocols continuing into the foreseeable future include handwashing signage, hygiene stations in classrooms and hallways, providing free face coverings and alcohol wipes, continuing improvements to indoor air quality and maintaining enhanced cleaning services.
  2. Will I be required to wear a face covering in NOVA buildings?
    In accordance with CDC guidance, NOVA recommends face coverings for all non-vaccinated employees and students.  Vaccinated individuals may continue to wear face covering. Face coverings will be available to employees and students at each campus NOVA Parking & NOVACard Office. With Executive Order 79 in place, NOVA’s temporary COVID-19 Face Covering Policy became obsolete and was discontinued effective May 28, 2021.
  3. Can I wear a face covering even though I have been vaccinated?
    The choice to wear a face covering is a personal decision. Anyone who chooses to wear a face covering should not be treated differently or stigmatized.
  4. Do I need to complete any forms before I return to the campus or my office?
    No. NOVA has suspended use of the forms previously required to enter campuses. Please speak with your supervisor if you need to return to campus before your scheduled date of return. (See return dates below in Question 5.)
  5. By what date am I required to return to NOVA for work?
    NOVA has established a staged return schedule based on positions. Some employees are already working on-site or have been on-site throughout the pandemic. Return dates can be found below:
    • June 21, 2021 – Employees at or above Associate VP/Dean/Director level
    • July 12, 2021 – Employees with supervisory functions
    • July 26, 2021 – Non-supervisory employees
    • August 16, 2021 – Teaching faculty

6. Will social distancing be required and will I be able to request plexiglass for my work area when we return?
   Social distancing and capacity restrictions have been lifted in Virginia. NOVA will not impose additional social distancing requirements for faculty, staff or students.   
    Additionally, physical barriers such as plexiglass are no longer required to create a barrier.

7. How do I apply for a reasonable accommodation?
   If you are eligible and wish to apply for an accommodation, you must:

    ADA accommodations are for the employee ONLY and must be substantiated by a medical professional. They are not intended for an employee to care for a family member. 
    If you need to take leave to care for a family member, contact Human Resources to inquire about the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

8. Is access to buildings still restricted?
   All building unlock schedules and electronic ID card access levels are being returned to pre-pandemic configurations. Additional access must be requested using Form 
   105-156 – Key and Electronic Door Access Request.

9. Will I still be able to telework after my return?
   In consultation with HR, supervisors are reviewing positions to determine which position types are telework eligible and to what extent. If your position is determined to be
    telework eligible, your supervisor will advise on the telework arrangement that will meet the business needs of your department.

10. Do I need to do anything to prepare my computer for returning to campus? 
     As previously announced, the College will transition from a remote work environment back to an on-site environment throughout the summer. The appointment calendar is
      now available for you to schedule an appointment with your local IT staff to perform required updates, reconnect to the network, and make sure your technology
      is working as expected in your work area.

If you have any questions about these FAQs or your anticipated return to the workplace, contact your supervisor or a member of the Return to NOVA Advisory Group (RNAG).

Submitted by:
Tom Mayhew, director of OEM and member of RNAG, TMayhew@nvcc.edu