July FAQ: Telework

Today’s topic and the topic for all of July is frequently asked questions.

Each Tuesday this month, I’ll provide a short answer on a topic that comes up in almost every set of anonymous questions. These will stand as “the answer” on the topic until there is a significant change in the approach of the College or the VCCS.

First up, telework.

The Virginia Community College System is a state agency, so NOVA follows Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) Policy 1.61 Teleworking. DHRM provides an online resource for supervisors and employees seeking more information on teleworking. Under this policy, NOVA has the authority to approve one day of telework; the authority to approve for two or more days of telework rests with members of the Governor’s cabinet.

Decisions on whether a position is telework-eligible are made by the position’s supervisor and are based on the requirements of the position and the business needs of the College. DHRM provides a checklist for supervisors to guide their decision making. An application must be approved by the supervisor before it comes to me for signature as agency head. Supervisors must review all telework agreements annually, and telework agreements may be terminated at the discretion of the state agency (in this case, NOVA). When possible, two weeks advance notice will be provided before terminating a telework agreement.

All NOVA offices must be covered and open during the College’s work hours. A supervisor considering a position for telework must ensure that their office is open during the College’s work hours and is staffed by employees who, according to their EWPs, have the authority and ability to make decisions and provide all services.

To serve students at peak times or to meet the business needs of the College, approved telework agreements may be suspended for periods of time. In such situations, NOVA will provide advance notice, but please know that such notice may not always be possible in emergency situations.

NOVA has established two windows for qualifying employees to apply for telework: one in fall and one in spring. These are advertised through the Daily Flyer. The application is open to employees who have the support of their supervisor, are in good standing and are not in their probationary period. Because of the hourly status of their employment, wage employees (P14s) are not eligible for telework.

NOVA understands that employees may face situations that call for temporary teleworking, and our College has the authority to award up to two weeks of temporary telework to qualifying employees. This application must be supported by the individual’s supervisor. Temporary telework should not be substituted for medical leave and will not be approved in these cases.

Kind regards, Anne