Pierce Today

This  has been a difficult couple of years for everyone. I have valued your  flexibility, patience, and dedication to our students and  the University. I am proud of how well we have all

worked together under  these circumstances to continue to fulfill our vital mission to educate  students and uplift our community.

After more than two years of operating in this “crisis mode,” it is  time for us to begin a new normal of campus operations. Several state  and national reports – backed up by our own

student surveys – show that students perform better and feel better with an in-person  learning environment where they can connect with their peers and be  supported by their

community.

For autumn quarter, 70% of UWT classes will be taught either  in-person or hybrid. Only 10% will be taught fully online. To  accommodate the anticipated increase of students on

campus, I am asking  that all campus offices be open normal office hours and staffed in  person, Monday - Friday, starting Monday, Sept. 26. We are also  standardizing the

expectation that most employees work in person at  least 4 days per week.

Individuals who require more flexibility in teleworking will be  handled on a case-by-case basis with supervisors and unit  leadership. Pre-pandemic many UWT employees had

telework agreements.  Those will continue to be an option with the understanding that many  units may not have sufficient staffing to keep their offices open if  they allow too much

remote work. Determinations should be made in a  consistent, fair and transparent way that prioritizes equity and  employee engagement. Library staff will operate per UW Libraries 

agreements.

We know the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, but thanks to our very  high vaccination rates and better treatment options, we believe the  worst of it has passed. We continue to

diligently monitor the situation  and offer rapid testing and masks as needed on campus.

I look forward to welcoming everyone – students, staff, faculty and  alumni – back to campus for autumn quarter for a fresh start to the  year.

Original source can be found here.