COVID-19 update: A message from Vice President for Human Resources Bryan Garey

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 infection in the United States, Virginia Tech has focused significant efforts on planning to sustain our academic mission and ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff who are participating in international university programs.

While this work continues, we understand that there is concern and uncertainty among employees across our multiple campuses. Your health and wellbeing is critical to the university.

First, take care of yourself and each other. Practice the good health guidelines that have been communicated on the university’s COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) page. Take advantage of resources through our university or state-provided benefit programs. In addition, Human Resources is providing these frequently asked questions that you might have with regard to how COVID-19 may affect your workplace, job, and leave.

At present, all university locations are open. Should COVID-19 affect any future campus operations, Human Resources is exploring options to support our employees including leave, alternative work locations, and flexible schedules.

Should the need arise, all colleges and units should be preparing now for how your team would continue operations. Your college or unit’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and other tools provide a good first step to begin the conversation and preparations.

We also encourage managers to meet with your employees and have an open dialogue. Because every employee’s life situation is different, employees should feel comfortable in speaking with their managers and organizational leaders about your concerns or questions.

While we don’t have all of the answers for what will happen with COVID-19, many people across our university are working diligently to plan for multiple scenarios and keep our entire community informed. Continue to visit the university’s COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) page for the latest university information and updates.

Thank you for your hard work and contributions to Virginia Tech.

Sincerely,

Bryan Garey
Vice President for Human Resources