Auburn University extending operational modifications through May 9

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Auburn University leadership continues to engage with state and federal authorities regarding COVID-19 and recommendations to protect the health and safety of our community. When the university initially transitioned to alternate operations in a variety of areas, such as remote delivery of instruction and remote work assignments, initial guidance stated that all operational modifications would continue through April 10 with reassessment in late March. 

After careful evaluation, all operational modifications previously assigned a tentative April 10 end date have been extended through May 9, 2020.

As previously announced, remote delivery of instruction will continue through the end of the spring term. Spring commencement is postponed, and information will be announced soon on its rescheduling as well as the delivery of summer courses. All university domestic and international travel is suspended through May 9.

All university events are canceled through May 9. With respect to athletics, the Southeastern Conference has announced that all regular season conference and non-conference competitions are cancelled, including SEC championship events, through the spring sport seasons.

The university medical clinic remains open. Those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should not come to work and should immediately call the Auburn Medical Clinic at 334-844-9825 before visiting the clinic. 

All Auburn employees who have been approved to perform their job responsibilities from a remote location should plan to continue to do so through May 9. Additional guidance will be provided regarding university operations during the final week of April. Determinations regarding assigned work locations for employees (remote or job site) will continue to be made by supervisors based on the employee’s assigned job responsibilities and the need to maintain full university operations.

Where remote work is not operationally feasible, supervisors are encouraged to work with employees to establish flexible schedules that may allow those employees to come to work for all or part of their regular work hours.

Employees are not required to submit annual (vacation) or sick leave during this period. However, employees are expected to communicate with supervisors and seek approval of any absences during which they will not be available for work.

Current employees will be paid through May 9 at their regular rate of pay, even if they are unable to perform their normal job responsibilities. This applies to all current administrative and professional employees, university staff, graduate assistants, temporary service workers, post-doctoral students, visiting scholars and graduate/undergraduate student workers who are scheduled to work between now and May 9. All faculty will be paid in accordance with their contracts. Pay methodology beyond these dates will be determined as operational status decisions are made closer to that date. 

This alternate operations model is currently intended to be in place through May 9. As we all know, however, new information becomes available daily. The university will communicate any necessary modifications as circumstances change. Please monitor the university’s COVID-19 site for the latest information and to sign up for daily email updates.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.