Responding to the Closure of Area Public Schools

March 13, 2020

Our university and our community continue to respond and adapt to the rapidly changing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I am so impressed by the dedication I have witnessed as our faculty and staff have been working together to plan the transition to online-only classes and new ways of educating, supporting, and sustaining our students.

As you know, the Purdue Fort Wayne campus is open and will remain open, and faculty and staff are expected to be at work on Monday, March 16. Spring break is extended for students through next week—for both Purdue Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne—as we continue preparation for online-only instruction that will begin on Monday, March 23. A reminder that students should not come to campus until further notice. Students residing in Student Housing have received specific instructions.

This afternoon, we learned that Allen County’s four school corporations (EACS, FWCS, NACS, and SACS) are closing all schools in their systems at the end of the day today and will remain closed until at least April 13. Multiple other public and private schools are also announcing closings. Many of you—specifically those with children in K–12—are impacted by these closures.

We understand that there are circumstances where an employee may need to be away from campus due to family issues including childcare. Our campus community is prepared to be flexible in that regard, and employees have two options, both of which require a supervisor’s approval.

One option is for an employee to telework off-site. Supervisors will review and consider telework requests on a case-by-case basis, based on the requirements of the individual’s position. Visit the Purdue Flexible Work website for additional information, including a standard form. Purdue Fort Wayne has developed a supplemental agreement that should also be completed and signed. Download the COVID-19 Telework Agreement Document. Another option is for an employee to use vacation leave or to take leave without pay.

Employees who are ill or who need to care for a family member who is ill have leave options, including accrued paid-time-off hours (sick leave, vacation leave, personal time, FMLA). This includes those who are at higher risk for serious illness should they contract COVID-19 as well as those who are uncomfortable reporting to work. Employees should work directly with their supervisor and Human Resources to address leave options.

A great deal of new information, including updates to our FAQ, can be found on our recently expanded COVID-19 web page. Beginning on Monday, we will distribute a special edition of Inside Purdue Fort Wayne via email to all faculty, staff, and students. Issues will subsequently be published periodically, on an as-needed basis.

Thank you for your continued support and perseverance. This is a time for clear communication among supervisors and direct reports, students and faculty, and members of the university community. Flexibility remains an essential aspect of our COVID-19 response.

We welcome your valuable insight and questions during this unprecedented moment in our university’s history.

Sincerely,

Ron Elsenbaumer
Chancellor