Warhawk Champions is an initiative to recognize those that have gone above and beyond in service to AUM during this time. Check out those that have been recognized already and take a moment to give a shout-out to someone that should be.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older.
We are pleased to announce the new Auburn University COVID-19 Vaccine Policy. In accordance with public health recommendations and Auburn University’s goal of providing and maintaining a safe workplace, we are adopting this policy to safeguard the health of the campus community and the community at large from COVID-19. Auburn University employees are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
In support of this policy, employees are eligible for one hour of paid leave to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If more than one dose is required for vaccine efficacy, employees are eligible for one hour of paid leave for each vaccine dose.
If you need to schedule a vaccine during work hours, employees need to seek approval from their supervisors to take leave and notify their timekeepers who can enter the Regular Non-Work Hours (RNW) timekeeping code into Kronos for that hour.
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact the AUM Office of Human Resources at hr@aum.edu or 334-244-3641.
Currently, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has extended vaccines to those in Class 1B, which includes healthcare workers, first responders, police officers, K-12 educators, higher education employees (faculty and staff), administrators, environmental services, bus drivers, maintenance workers, childcare workers, those 65 years and older, and those with two or more defined comorbidities.
The vaccine is administered by intramuscular injection. Individuals receive two doses at 21-day intervals.
According to clinical trial results, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be 95 percent effective at preventing COVID-19.
The active ingredient is messenger RNA that carries instructions for making the virus’s spike protein. The human body recognizes the spike protein, and the immune system works to develop protection from infection. The mRNA does not contain the COVID-19 virus and it does not enter or alter the body’s DNA.
No, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine does not contain the COVID-19 virus and cannot cause you to develop COVID-19.
Side effects that have been reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine include:
Side effects typically resolve within 24 hours.
There is a remote chance that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after receiving a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay at the place where you received your vaccine for monitoring after vaccination.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
Yes, due to the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated even if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have recovered.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends waiting 90 days before getting the COVID-19 vaccine if you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma.
The CDC recommends that you wait at least 14 days before getting any other vaccine, if you get the COVID-19 vaccine first. If you get another vaccine, then you should wait at least 14 days before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Yes, until more information is available, the CDC recommends that individuals who have received both doses of the COVID-19 continue to wear a mask and observe social distancing.
There is not enough data available yet to know how long the vaccine will protect recipients from COVID-19.
No, the vaccine will not cause you to test positive on a viral test, which are used to test for active infection.
Download the Vaccine Consent Form to expedite your vaccine appointment.
Understand the facts about the Pfizer vaccine you are receiving.
V-Safe is your way to report any side effects you may have through a convenient app.
If feasible, and working with your supervisor, you should begin preparations to work remotely, possibly for an extended period of time, if it becomes necessary.
If a person has questions about being tested for COVID-19, they should call Warhawk Health Services to schedule an appointment for testing at (334) 244-3281 or contact their healthcare provider to make arrangements for testing. According to current CDC guidelines, If you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, then you should wait at least 4 days from day of exposure before you get tested, unless you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
As the university continues contingency planning related to ensuring learning, business, and educational continuity, it is important to remember that the University remains open and operational. The university has established its practices following guidance set by CDC and other health authorities, and everyone on campus is expected to follow the policies and practices to ensure a safe campus. Employees shall follow the operational plans approved for their department. Employees who wish to take leave because they feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to COVID-19 do not qualify for leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL), Expanded FMLA (FMLA+), or Emergency COVID-19 Administrative Leave (ECAL). Such employees will be permitted to use accrued annual leave. Upon exhaustion of all accrued annual leave, employees will be permitted either to use accrued sick leave, accrued comp time, or to enter leave without pay status.If you choose to take leave, you must follow the University’s leave policies and obtain your supervisor’s permission prior to taking leave.
If you are well but have a sick family member at home with COVID-19, you should notify your supervisor and the Office of Human Resources at 334-244-2641 and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of your potential exposure. If you need to take leave to care for an eligible family member due to COVID-19, HR can provide guidance regarding available leave options.
According to the CDC, people with certain preexisting health conditions are at a higher risk to develop complications from a COVID-19 infection. Your health is the top priority, so public health officials may recommend that you stay home if there is concern of community spread. The CDC has developed guidance to help you plan and prepare in the event of needing to limit time in public or if you become sick. Your healthcare practitioner can also help you assess your current medications and conditions to help you think about actions that can minimize risk to you and your household.
Employees are encouraged to work with their supervisor or department head to identify actions or adjustments to the work environment such as room configuration, or the installation of dividers or plexi-glass shields, that can reduce the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. If an employee is ordered by a medical provider to self-quarantine, they should contact HR to discuss leave options available to them. If necessary, the Salary Continuation Program (SCP) may be available for eligible employees who have exhausted their sick leave. Eligible employees can also apply for job protection under the Family Medical Leave Act.
Under federal law (the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, FFCRA), the Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (FMLA+) expands an employee’s FMLA entitlement to include the employee’s inability to work because the employee must care for a son or daughter whose school is closed or childcare provider is unavailable due to COVID-19 (Qualifying Reason 5).
The FMLA+ does not increase an employee’s overall entitlement to FMLA leave; employees may take up to 12 weeks combined in a 12-month period for any FMLA or FMLA+ qualified reason. While existing FMLA leave is unpaid, under FFCRA, FMLA+ will be paid. FMLA+ will be paid at 100 percent of the employee’s normal compensation rate and will not be charged against an employee’s accrued annual or sick leave. (Approved through December 31, 2020)
Employees may submit requests to use vacation or sick leave during the modified operating model, and are expected to communicate with supervisors and seek approval of any absences in which they are not available for work.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are encouraged or even required in some cases to engage in social distancing, especially if it is possible that they may have come in contact with COVID-19.
The website “Calm” is providing free meditations during this time; this may be a great resources to maintain emotional health.
Additional resources include: “Taking Care of Yourself during COVID-19”, which is provided by the Auburn University Department of Psychological Sciences, and “Manage Anxiety & Stress” from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
AUM is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion. While the spread of disease may cause fear and uncertainty, we reject discrimination and any speech or action that would be biased toward any member of our campus community. If you or someone you know has experienced harassment based on discrimination, contact the Office of Human Resources at 334-244-3641.
-Updated March 24, 2020
Taken from “Mental and Emotional Self-Care during COVID-19”, which is provided by Auburn University Student Affairs.
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been stressful for many people and communities. Fear about the spread of a novel virus can be overwhelming and cause various emotional responses. Auburn University has been actively monitoring the evolving nature of COVID-19 and has implemented guidelines to ensure the safety of the campus environment.
This tip sheet describes feelings and thoughts you may have during and after social distancing and/or self-isolation. It also suggests ways to care for your mental health during these experiences and provides resources for more help. Further, it offers ways to reduce social stigma or discrimination of groups of people in relation to COVID-19.
What to Expect During This Time
Every person may experience their own unique reaction to a stressful situation such as the COVID-19 outbreak. As such, you may feel some combination of what is listed below.
You may feel:
Not-as Typical Reactions (But Can Still Occur)
Some people have pre-existing emotional or psychological conditions that can be exacerbated by a high-stress event, such as the COVID-19 outbreak. This may include:
Faculty should notify the Office of Student Affairs concerning reports of positive COVID-19 test results or close contact information received from students. Contact Student Affairs via email at accountibility@aum.edu or by phone at 334-244-3106. Student Affairs will conduct contact tracing, provide isolation or quarantine information, provide housing instructions, and offer additional resources to the student. Student Affairs will work with faculty members to provide options for student remote access to courses if they are advised to quarantine or isolate.
It depends. When you contact the Office of Human Resources or the Office of Student Affairs, they will conduct contact tracing, provide isolation or quarantine information, and offer additional resources and guidance based on the set of facts presented.
No. The Office of Student Affairs will notify students and the Office of Human Resources will notify employees, as necessary. We advise against staff and faculty sharing information regarding potential COVID-19 contact with students or other employees, as it can create unnecessary alarm in the absences of full information about the level of exposure and resources regarding next steps. The Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Human Resources are positioned to contact students and employees in a manner that provides all the information they need to take any necessary next steps and can provide additional information regarding available resources and protocol.
Students are required to complete a clearance process before returning to class.
The answer is dependent on the wellness status of the student and if he/she is symptomatic or asymptomatic.
Several tactical approaches have been ongoing to safeguard the AUM community.
AUM prioritizes the health and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. AUM follows current protocol and guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control should an employee report a positive test:
Faculty and staff testing positive for COVID-19 or reporting close contact should email or call the Office of Human Resources. Contact Human Resources via email at hr@aum.edu. Human Resources will contact the faculty or staff member to conduct contact tracing, provide isolation or quarantine information, and offer additional resources. Human Resources will provide assistance with messaging students concerning transitioning to online delivery, isolation or quarantine procedures (if required) and discuss any other protocol and considerations.
FFCRA and Auburn: New Leave Categories (Modified Dec. 16, 2020)
Under federal law (the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, FFCRA), all employees receive 2 weeks of Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) to use for a list of approved COVID-19 related reasons (“Qualifying Reasons”). This leave is available for employees to use through December 31, 2020.
The number of hours of leave received by an individual employee will be based on the average number of hours the employee is scheduled to work in a two week period (for an employee with a normal work schedule) or the employee’s average number of hours worked in a two week period over the previous 6 months (for an employee with a variable work schedule).
Although federal law includes a daily cap on an employer’s obligation to pay employees for use of EPSL, Auburn has decided to compensate EPSL at 100 percent of the employee’s normal compensation rate with no daily cap.
Eligible employees will have a maximum of four weeks (20 working days) of ECAL available through the end of May that can be used for all six qualifying reasons listed under the current Families First Coronavirus Response Act. (ECAL is currently unlimited and only applicable for reasons 1-4 and 6.)
The FMLA+ does not increase an employee’s overall entitlement to FMLA leave; employees may take up to 12 weeks combined in a 12-month period for any FMLA or FMLA+ qualified reason. While existing FMLA leave is unpaid, under FFCRA, FMLA+ will be paid. FMLA+ will be paid at 100 percent of the employee’s normal compensation rate and will not be charged against an employee’s accrued annual or sick leave.
Medical Services Coverage
Telehealth services are available to all members. Telehealth allows in-network PPO providers to provide medically necessary services to members that can be appropriately delivered via telephone consultation. This is applicable for members who wish to receive their care remotely and wish to limit their exposure. It can also serve as an initial screening for members who need to be tested for COVID-19.
In addition to office visit consultations, telehealth also includes physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and behavioral health. You may ask your provider if they are equipped to provide telehealth services instead of an onsite office visit. In many cases providers are calling patients and scheduling existing appointments via telehealth.
Telehealth services provided by in-network PPO providers will be covered at 100 percent with no member cost sharing regardless of diagnosis code. Telehealth services provided by out of network non PPO providers will be covered at the out of network benefit level.
In-network diagnostic tests for COVID-19 will be covered at 100 percent with no member cost sharing. Out-of-network diagnostic tests for COVID-19 will be covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
If an in-network office visit, urgent care visit, emergency room visit, behavioral health visit, or telehealth service results in a claim being filed by the in-network PPO provider with a COVID-19 related diagnosis as outlined by the CDC and American Medical Association, that office visit, urgent care visit, emergency room visit, behavioral health visit, or telehealth service will be covered at 100 percent with no member cost sharing. Out-of-network services will be covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
More than one in-network office visit, urgent care visit, emergency room visit, behavioral health visit, or telehealth service for the same member incurred on the same day will be covered if the urgent care visit, emergency room visit, behavioral health visit, or telehealth service is rendered by different in-network PPO providers and the claims are filed with a COVID-19 related diagnosis as outlined by the CDC and American Medical Association.
Inpatient facility deductibles, copays and co-insurance will be waived if a member is admitted to an in-network hospital with a COVID-19 related diagnosis as outlined by the CDC and American Medical Association.
Please be assured that Blue Shield of Alabama/American Behavioral will continue to meet the needs of groups, members and providers. For additional information, please visit AlabamaBlue.com or www.americanbehavioral.com.
Answers for general COVID-19 questions and other resources are available at “AlabamaBlue.com” under Important Information Regarding COVID-19 (https://www.bcbsal.org/web/coronavirus).
Members looking for information on testing sites in their area can visit https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html to access health departments links in all 50 states, 8 U.S. territories and freely associated states, and the District of Columbia.
You should prepare business continuity plans in the event that the University has to implement alternative operational plans. This includes:
You should encourage any employee who has a fever, difficulty in breathing, or other COVID-19 symptom to reach out to their healthcare provider for guidance prior to reporting to campus. It is recommended that they call their office in advance, as they may have protocols in place to minimize risk of exposure to others.
Yes, as with any other illness, good judgment must be used. A decision to send someone home may be based upon the following factors:
Please contact AUM Human Resources at hr@aum.edu if you have any questions.
You should encourage any employee who has been exposed to COVID-19 to call their healthcare provider and confirm arrangements before visiting their office to limit potential exposure.
Yes, a manager and supervisor have the right to temporarily reassign employees to work outside their usual classifications/responsibilities to the extent they are qualified and can safely perform the work. This includes employees with the necessary skills that are needed to work outside their colleges/divisions. Depending on the circumstances, the University will notify these employees that they are designated as performing essential functions and when and where they must report to work.
It is important that AUM employees avoid stigmatizing or generalizing about coronavirus in the workplace. You should avoid making assumptions about individuals who you believe may or may not have been exposed to the virus.
There have been individuals at colleges and universities who reported encountering discrimination and harassment due to biased assumptions and overreactions. It is understandable to feel uncertain or anxious during a public health crisis. However, it is also important to remember to not make assumptions about others’ perceived symptoms, travel history or identity. For employees who are looking for support, the Employee Assistance Program is a resource available to help employees through stressful situations and events. Additional information.
Our procedures and guidance will evolve as conditions or circumstances with the pandemic change, our current guidance is through January 8, 2021. We encourage all employees to closely monitor university communications for further updates.
Maintaining a 6-foot wingspan through physical distancing and adhering to our Cover Your Beak face covering practices is a key tool in reducing exposure to others who may either have COVID-19 or have come in contact with others who have COVID-19. If you are notified that you have come in contact with someone who had contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, it is important that you self-monitor for fever and symptoms. We can all contribute to a healthy environment and reduce the spread of the virus by consistently practicing healthy actions including:
According to the CDC, travel can increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. You and your travel companions (including children) may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can still spread COVID-19 to family, friends, and community after travel.
If you have a known exposure to COVID-19 you should delay travel, quarantine yourself from other people, get tested, and monitor your health.
Don’t travel if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19. Don’t travel with someone who is sick. Check your state or local health department for information about local quarantine requirements.
Following updated guidance from the CDC, if you traveled to the U.S. from countries subject to a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice (e.g., China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy), you must self-quarantine for 14 days from the time you left the impacted area and be free from symptoms of COVID-19 prior to coming onto campus. If you fall into this category, you will be required to comply with the self-quarantine protocol. Please contact human resources and advise them of this situation.
Your employee should inform you and utilize available personal leave. If outside the United States, sick employees who are covered under the University’s health insurance plan carry their healthcare benefits with them through Blue Cross and Blue Shield Global (https://www.bcbsglobalcore.com/). Contact BCBS Global for assistance in finding an appropriate healthcare provider in that country. A U.S. consular officer can help locate healthcare services.
Taylor Center 101
7400 East Drive Montgomery, AL 36117
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
334-244-3000
334-244-3795
admissions@aum.edu
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