Dear Carleton Faculty and Staff,
Governor Tim Walz’s emergency executive order directing Minnesotans to stay at home has undoubtedly raised questions about what this means for our community. Importantly, this order—which goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 27, and runs through 5 p.m. Friday, April 10—allows Carleton to remain open. We continue to encourage all employees who can complete their work remotely to do so.
Carleton, like all institutes of higher education, operates in a “critical sector” as defined by the order, with exemptions addressed under Section 6 and 6.w. As such, essential Carleton employees whose work cannot be done remotely are permitted to travel to and from campus in order to facilitate distance learning or perform other essential functions. Your supervisor will communicate with you if your presence on campus is essential to support our students.
For all employees, we want to be very clear: If you can complete your work from home, you should do so. It is important that you have a Remote Work Agreement in place with your supervisor. Supporting the students on campus and the spring academic term will require that some work be performed on campus, however, we ask that you restrict your travel to the minimum required for your job during the time of the executive order. Social distancing is the most important thing you can do for your own health, and for the health and safety of our campus community and our neighbors throughout the state of Minnesota, whether you work from home or on campus.
Your paycheck is secure. All regular Carleton employees who were scheduled to work will remain employed for their scheduled hours through April 10. Many employees will continue to work remotely, essential employees will continue to work on campus, and some employees may be asked to help out in a different area of the College. Further guidance will be forthcoming in the next two weeks. Please continue to consult the FAQs on the COVID-19 website for the latest updates on decisions being made across the College.
This is an extraordinary and unprecedented time in our country when we must all be focused on what we can do personally and collectively to support the wellbeing of our communities. This collective support aligns with the values we hold near and dear. We remain thankful for your commitment to Carleton as we adapt to serving our mission in new ways.
In gratitude,
Bev Nagel
Dean of the College
Fred Rogers
Vice President and Treasurer