HR News

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families:

The vast majority of our students have now departed campus or are in the process of leaving ahead of the Thanksgiving break. Although our campus population will decrease substantially over the next couple months, it is critical that the students who will remain with us over the break—and also our faculty and staff—continue to exercise vigilance and take precaution to safeguard individual and public health. As such, I am writing to remind you of key resources available to you to assist in our individual and collective efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus.

Today, I am going to provide updates on:

• New Testing Hours
• Checklists for Navigating Positive Diagnosis, Suspected Exposure
• Website Transition

New Testing Hours: Many of you have asked that we continue on-campus testing operations through the winter break. Be assured that we plan to do so. The Stadium Testing Center will remain open and accessible to all members of our campus community for the duration of the winter break. However, given that many fewer individuals will routinely access campus after Nov. 24, we have modified the testing center’s hours of operation. Those new hours are as follows:

• Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22: noon to 3 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 23, through Wednesday, Nov. 25: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving) through Sunday, Nov. 29: Closed
• Beginning Monday, Nov. 30 (winter hours): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to Thanksgiving holiday lab closures at our testing partner, SUNY Upstate, it is strongly recommended that anyone seeking to ascertain their COVID-19 status prior to Thanksgiving should be tested no later than the end of the day on Monday (Nov. 23) to help ensure a timely result.

Some important reminders about testing include:

• Location: Enter the stadium through Gate N and follow the signs to the testing center.
• Appointments: No appointments are necessary; simply bring your SU I.D. and show up at a time that is convenient for you.
• Preparation: Do not eat, drink or brush your teeth for 30 minutes prior to testing.
• Safety Reminder: You must wear a face mask or covering when you arrive at the testing site. If you are experiencing symptoms or suspect you have been exposed to the virus, do not go the stadium—instead contact the Barnes Center at 315.443.8000 (students) or your primary care doctor (faculty/staff).
• Type of Test: The test itself is a saliva swab, and the entire process only takes a few minutes.
• Delivery of Results: You will receive confirmation of a negative result via email. Individuals who return a positive test result will be notified by phone.

COVID-19 Response Checklists: With the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus nationally and locally, it is important for individuals to know what action to take should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspected potential exposure. As a reminder, the University developed a series of COVID-19 checklists for students, faculty and staff to provide direction in situations where a member of the Syracuse University community has tested positive for or suspects they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus.

The checklists, including a downloadable and printable PDF, can be found on the Fall 2020 website. The checklists cannot fully address the unique nature of every situation and are intended to provide general guidance related to the most appropriate and required actions in response to positive test results or suspected exposure to the virus. Members of the community should contact the Syracuse University COVID-19 Project Management Office (PMO) at 315.443.6180 or SUcovid@syr.edu with additional questions or concerns or to receive further guidance.

Website Transition: As we wrap up the fall semester, we are already planning for the spring. As part of that transition, next week we will change the web address of the current Fall 2020 site to Syracuse.edu/staysafe. This site will continue to be the hub for information about campus operations, public health and safety, testing information and the Syracuse University COVID-19 Dashboard. We will continue to post all campus messages to this site. We hope that you will visit frequently for the latest information for students, faculty, staff and the broader community.

We will continue to provide frequent updates in the coming weeks, particularly as it relates to testing, spring planning and other important areas of focus. Additionally, if new guidance is issued from the State or County impacting members of our community, we will be sure to update you in a timely manner.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season.

Sincerely,
J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

Dear Faculty and Staff:

With the holiday season quickly approaching, many of you are likely beginning to plan for travel and family gatherings. Given the significant spike in COVID-19 cases around the country and right here in Central New York, we urge you to be cautious and consider public health guidance when making your plans. Public health officials warn that the anticipated surge in interstate travel, family gatherings and indoor socializing is expected to result in an increased opportunity for exposure and infection, particularly within family groups.

Whether you’re thinking of visiting others or welcoming them to your home, New York State’s Department of Health has instituted travel restrictions and quarantine policies that you should keep in mind as you make your plans. To ensure our community has the most up-to-date information, we offer important updates on:

• Non-Essential Personal Travel
• New York State Travel and Quarantine Advisory
• Travel and Holiday Guidance

Non-Essential Personal Travel: With the ongoing and increased spread of COVID-19, including in our local community, non-essential personal travel could result in the importation of additional virus and further community spread. As such, we are strongly recommending the following guidance for our faculty and staff:

1. Avoid any non-essential personal travel (both for you and for anyone who may want to visit you).
2. Faculty and staff should discuss their travel and quarantine plans with their dean, department chair or supervisor prior to the date of travel to ensure their work can be done remotely should they be required to quarantine.
3. If you must travel, heed all state and local guidance and direction about travel and events in the upcoming holiday season. Please note, guidance is subject and likely to change as circumstances continue to evolve.
4. Please remember that New York State requires anyone traveling out of state or to a noncontiguous state, U.S. territory or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) level 2 or 3 country to be tested and quarantine upon return to New York. This requirement may impact your ability to return to work as you have planned. If you do travel to a noncontiguous state, U.S. territory or CDC level 2 or 3 country, it is your responsibility to plan for the required testing and quarantine.

New York State Travel and Quarantine Advisory: If you do plan to travel, you should be aware of New York State’s guidelines relative to travel and quarantining. Specifically, there is a new “test out” option. If you have not reviewed this guidance, we urge you to do so by visiting the state’s coronavirus travel website. Here are some key points in the state’s new guidance:

• Individuals from New York State who travel to a noncontiguous state, U.S. territory or a CDC level 2 or 3 country are expected to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine unless they opt to follow the state’s test-out guidance.
• To test out of the 14-day quarantine, the traveler must:
  • Obtain a COVID-19 test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.
  • Quarantine for three days, upon arrival in New York.
  • Obtain another COVID-19 test on day four of their quarantine. If both tests come back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.

Also please note:

1. Individuals who travel to and from states that are contiguous with New York or who travel out of state for less than 24 hours are exempt from the above requirements. However, these individuals must still fill out the Traveler Health Form.
2. Be aware that under the requirements of the New York State test-out procedure, your COVID-19 test on quarantine day four must be approved by New York State as a diagnostic test. Syracuse University’s on-campus saliva testing is approved for virus surveillance but does not qualify as a diagnostic test for this purpose. However, any COVID-19 test you would otherwise receive from your primary care physician, an urgent care facility or from any of the Onondaga County testing sites will likely qualify as a diagnostic test for this purpose.

CDC Travel and Holiday Guidance: Anyone who is planning travel should first review current CDC guidance for travel considerations, return policies and preventive measures you should take to protect yourself and those around you. Additionally, the CDC recently released holiday guidance, specific to Thanksgiving travel and gatherings.

We are grateful to all our faculty and staff who have worked to support our students and each other during the most unusual of circumstances. You have accomplished what many have thought was impossible despite challenges and uncertainty—both at work and in your personal lives. Thank you for all you do. Please stay healthy and safe this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost

Each year, Open Enrollment provides eligible faculty and staff with the opportunity to:

• Reflect on how they can make the most of benefits offered by the University;
• Connect with benefit professionals and resources to get their personal questions answered; and
• Enroll and make decisions that best meet their needs.

The Office of Human Resources encourages eligible individuals to review their benefits on MySlice to ensure their choices are in place for Jan. 1, 2021. This is the one time of year to elect or change coverage for many benefits, unless one experiences a qualifying life event.

Various news items, FAQs and additional information are available on the Open Enrollment website to help answer any questions. If faculty and staff have any additional questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

You can save on taxes over the course of a year through effective use of an FSA, and HealthEquity/WageWorks makes reimbursement easy. If you wish to contribute to an FSA during 2021 to help pay for health care and dependent care expenses, you must take action during Open Enrollment to elect the benefit and set your contribution levels.

Learn more on the Open Enrollment website. If you choose to enroll in an FSA, you can update your benefits online by logging into MySlice through Nov. 13.

Questions?

Contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Enroll Now

Visit MySlice and enroll today.

Open Enrollment is a time to reflect on the various benefits available to you and make choices that best meet the needs of you and your family. Regardless of what goals you’re striving for or what challenges you may be facing, there are benefits and resources available to assist you.  If you have any benefit questions related to this year’s Open Enrollment, be sure to attend the virtual information session tomorrow at 10 a.m. via Zoom.

Caregiving Resources

In support of the changing needs of families, the University provides several resources, including a free premium membership for Care.com, where you can get help finding child care providers, tutors, elder caregivers, pet sitters, house cleaners and more through the world’s largest network of caregivers.  In addition, the Dependent Care Subsidy Program provides assistance to households with an annual income of less than $150,000. Other resources can be found on Human Resources’ WorkLife Benefits and Resources webpage, including information on Carebridge, the University’s faculty and staff assistance program, which connects faculty and staff with information, resources and referrals for caregiving.

Tuition Benefits

A cornerstone of our benefits program, tuition assistance helps eligible employees and dependents afford the cost of college tuition. If attending college is on the horizon for you or a family member, be sure to review the eligibility policies and submit any necessary paperwork to HR Shared Services.

Wellness

The Syracuse University Wellness Initiative provides learning opportunities, activities, programs and other resources to empower and encourage you to make choices and changes that lead to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Learn about upcoming programs and subscribe to the Wellness email list.

Adoption Assistance

Adopting a child is a joyous occasion, but one that often brings unique financial challenges. In an effort to assist employees who are building families, Syracuse University offers adoption assistance benefits to eligible employees.

Will Preparation Services

Experts recommend that you review your will with your attorney every five to 10 years. If you experience a major life event—such as a birth or death—it is extremely important to review your will to ensure your wishes are carried out. If you are already enrolled in or are considering supplemental life insurance through MetLife, remember that with enrollment, you can take advantage of will preparation at no cost. Don’t forget to submit the completed Statement of Health form directly to MetLife if you are newly enrolling or increasing your insurance amount.

Questions?

Visit the Open Enrollment website or contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042. Make sure to check out the Top Ten: What You Need to Know for 2021 to educate yourself about the benefit program for 2021.

Enroll Now

Visit MySlice and enroll today.

Open Enrollment, the annual period when University employees make their benefit choices for the coming year, continues through Friday, Nov. 13. This is the one time of year when eligible faculty and staff may elect or change their coverage for many benefits, unless they experience a qualifying life event.

There are a variety of resources to support faculty and staff during Open Enrollment:

• Open Enrollment Highlights: What You Need To Know for 2021
• Virtual Information Session on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Recorded Information Session Available 24/7
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Open Enrollment Website

Faculty and staff must complete their enrollment by Nov. 13 by logging into MySlice. If access to a computer for Open Enrollment purposes is needed, the University has a number of workstations available across campus, or they may contact HR Shared Services by phone or email during normal business hours.

With questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042. Virtual appointments are available upon request.

Open Enrollment is the one time of year when eligible employees can reflect on their benefit options, connect with the variety of available resources to help make the best decisions to meet their needs and enroll for the coming year.

A recorded webinar, information sessions and other important information for faculty and staff about 2021 benefits are available on the Open Enrollment website.

Questions about Open Enrollment, benefits or the enrollment process? Contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Reflect on your benefits. Choose what best meets your needs. Link

Syracuse University strives to offer a comprehensive benefits program that provides flexibility and choice to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Unless you experience a qualifying event, Open Enrollment is your one opportunity during the year to review your current benefits, consider all of your options and decide which benefits you wish to select for the coming year.

Questions about benefits?  Connect with us!

There are several ways to connect with resources that will enable you to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones.

• Review our Top Ten Things You Need to Know for 2021, the comprehensive Open Enrollment FAQs and visit the dedicated webpage for faculty and staff.
• View the 24/7 on-demand information session or attend a live information session to learn everything you need to know about 2021 benefit offerings.
• Contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 to get your personal benefit questions answered. Virtual appointments are available upon request.
• Connect with our benefit vendors.

Visit the Open Enrollment website to learn more. You can update your benefit selections for 2021 through Friday, Nov. 13, by logging into MySlice.

Open Enrollment, the annual period when eligible employees reflect on their benefit options for the coming year, begins Monday, Nov. 2, and continues through Friday, Nov. 13. This is the one time of year when University faculty and staff may elect or change their coverage for many benefits, unless they experience a mid-year life event change.

All of the relevant Open Enrollment information, including benefit plan details, various resources to learn more and answers to frequently asked questions are available on this website.

Questions About Benefits? Connect With Human Resources!

There are several ways for faculty and staff to connect with resources that will enable them to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

• View the 24/7 on-demand information session to learn everything employees need to know about 2021 benefit offerings.
• Attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. or Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to learn about 2021 benefits.
• Contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu to get personal benefit questions answered. Virtual appointments are available upon request.
• Connect with the University’s benefit vendors.

Faculty and staff can enroll online through MySlice from Nov. 2-13. If access to a computer for Open Enrollment purposes is needed, the University has a number of workstations available across campus, or they may contact HR Shared Services by phone or email during normal business hours.