Dear Staff:

Following the recent announcement from President Khator, it’s important to note that the University, including the University of Houston at Katy and the University of Houston at Sugar Land, will remain open, and all offices and services will continue operations at this time.  While this is a very rapidly evolving situation, we currently do not anticipate any change in the services provided at each location or instructional site.  Please know that should there be any changes to our operational status, you will be notified by an official announcement from the University accordingly.

As part of overall ongoing response and business continuity processes and procedures, your health and safety as a valued team member is our utmost priority.  In support, we have taken several actionable steps in this regard, including the following:

Health and Hygiene

• Increased cleaning and sanitation protocols for facilities, including all food service locations and high-volume “touchpoints,” such as commonly used door handles, elevators, vending machine areas, among many others, as well as the deployment of hand sanitizer dispensers, and discontinuing the self-service option at all dining locations.
• We are also rigorously following the “Guidance for Workplaces and Businesses” as outlined by the City of Houston Health Department.  

Temporary Telecommuting Workplace Arrangement Request Process

As a result of this rapidly evolving response, there may be circumstances where a flexible workplace arrangement may be an effective alternative within your team, program office or department if you are able to continue to perform your work functions from a remote location. 

Please know that the approval of a flexible workplace arrangement will be considered by your immediate supervisor and next level leader on an individual basis. As with any temporary arrangement, your immediate supervisor and/or next level leader may discontinue the flexible workplace initiative at any time.  To proceed with the process to request working remotely on a temporary basis, the following University of Houston Telecommuting request form https://uh.edu/human-resources/forms/uhs-telecommuting_form.pdf is required for completion by each employee to be submitted to your immediate supervisor to begin the review and approval process.

Helpful Resources

As these are extremely anxious and uncertain times, it’s important to note that there are additional resources provided by the University, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), telemedicine, and elder/child care service options. For more detail on benefits eligibility, please click here: https://uh.edu/human-resources/hr-communications/benefit-services-communication-3.11.2020.pdf

All departments should review and update your Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) and share them with your staff to ensure essential functions can continue if a disruption of service occurs. Plan templates may be found here: https://uh.edu/emergency-management/planning-and-response/business-continuity-plans/.

As we proceed onward, be sure to remain vigilant in practicing thorough handwashing, sanitizing and recommended hygiene best practices. Feel free to download these helpful “Cover Toss Clean” tips as well. Additional information regarding prevention and precautions can found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Staying Informed

It is especially critical that each of us remains updated on this rapidly evolving global situation. For the latest information, visit the University COVID-19 updates website. In addition, be sure to update your contact information in P.A.S.S. via Access UH. 

Lastly, should you have any questions about the University COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates, please submit them to coronavirus@uh.edu.

As our business is service excellence, I offer my heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation for all that you do on a daily basis to continue your outstanding support in these coming days.

Warm regards-