Coronavirus update for March 12: Important Updates from Human Resources

March 12, 2020

Dear Campus Community.

Western is open and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to do your job. This information will also be included on Western’s coronavirus webpage. We strongly encourage you check for new FAQs for employees and supervisors on a daily basis.

24 Hour Human Resources Contact

We are happy to announce that a Human Resources representative will be available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please contact us at 360-650-3774 at any time.

Modern Technology for Working Remotely

If your supervisor has approved you to work remotely, ATUS has quick tips for how to work efficiently and effectively from anywhere, at any time! Topics include phone, email, Microsoft Teams, online meetings, etc.  While a safety checklist is not currently required for remote work, we still want you healthy and safe. Please click here for ergonomics information from Environmental Health and Safety and feel free to give them a call at 360-650-3064 for any assistance you may require in setting up a safe and health remote site.

Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak

In support of our employees, we’d like to remind you that the WA State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an accessible, free and confidential service. They can be contacted at 877-313-4455 or www.eap.wa.gov.

Updated Recruitment Process

In order to ensure new employees have the support and most up-to-date information, Human Resources has updated our employee offer letters with the message below :

Western Washington University is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by coronavirus. In an effort to ensure you have the support and most up-to-date information on how our actions may affect your first days of employment, please communicate to your supervisor prior to your start date if you are sick or have been exposed to the virus. More information on Western’s response to coronavirus can be found at https://www.wwu.edu/coronavirus.

Search committees may want to consider offering video conferencing in place of in person interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Human Resources is working hard to provide you with updated FAQs. We encourage you to reach out to the appropriate contact below with your questions. A new FAQ section dedicated to supervisors has been added. See the full list of employee and supervisor FAQs.

Contacts

Employee/Labor Relations Consultants:

Faculty Relations Consultant:

  • Austin Cooper at x3915

During this time, you may be faced with delays in Human Resource services. We appreciate your patience!

 

Chyerl Wolfe-Lee

Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

The Incident Command System team at Western has established three goals for all of our preparation and response to COVID-19:  to protect life safety and minimize the spread of the coronavirus illness, to maintain – as much as possible – the continuity of Western’s operations, and to communicate with our communities as fully as possible.

Western's coronavirus information website features Frequently Asked Questions; has links to campus, regional and national resources; an archive of campus messaging and media stories about coronavirus; a new toll-free campus coronavirus information line, and more. The site is a living document, and will get frequent updates as the coronavirus situation evolves.