A Note About Telework

In July, NOVA put a pause on expanding telework eligibility to allow us to return to our campuses and offices and determine the level of demand for onsite services.

Now that we have more than half of fall semester behind us and a much better sense of what the onsite needs are, I write to share that NOVA will provide all qualifying employees with the ability to telework 8 hours a week beginning November 8.

As before, the following will guide supervisors’ decision-making on telework eligibility:

• NOVA’s mission, strategic plan and student and business needs will drive all decision-making on and assessment of eligibility.
• Supervisors at Dean/Director and above who supervise campus-/site-based employees, programs, or activities will not be considered for telework.
• Non-student facing positions in leased, off-campus spaces will be considered for telework where possible.
• Decisions about a position’s telework eligibility will be based on the scope and responsibilities set forward in a position’s EWP, not on individual requests.
• All active onsite offices must be covered during NOVA’s official work hours to ensure students and employees can access face-to-face services.
• All decisions about a position’s telework eligibility will be reviewed by that position’s supervisor at least every six months to determine if its eligibility continues to support NOVA’s mission, strategic plan and student and business needs.

As has always been the case, an individual employee with a need for a temporary, task-driven telework arrangement should approach their supervisor and Human Resources (as appropriate) to discuss and determine whether this arrangement is possible given their role and responsibilities at NOVA.

All telework agreements require the approval of an employee’s supervisor and must have the sign-off of Human Resources and the appropriate Administrative Council member. Individuals teleworking and their supervisors must participate in required training and follow the Telework Toolkit available from HR.

The Telework Task Force’s second report is due in early February and may bring recommendations regarding further telework expansion.

I encourage you to explore your eligibility for weekly teleworking and thank you for your patience as we focused on our fall return to NOVA and delayed additional telework considerations.