As the University of Michigan faces an undetermined period of uncertainty and upheaval driven by COVID-19, President Mark Schlissel is thanking faculty and staff for their response so far and preparing them for difficult decisions ahead.
In an April 6 email, Schlissel underscored how life under the pandemic has profoundly changed traditional spring routines, and recapped the myriad ways U-M is designing solutions to challenges both internal and across society.
“I’m very proud of the way individuals from all parts of our university have responded. Collectively, we got the word out on the importance of social distancing and hygiene practices, provided expertise to elected leaders on virtually all aspects of COVID-19, helped those in need and transformed how we convene, work and learn,” Schlissel said.
“I want to thank each one of you for demonstrating such high levels of professionalism and commitment — even as your own lives are upended. Your strength is the reason why we are able to teach, discover and care for the sick during this pandemic.”
While the university has reduced spending and maintained pay for full-time employees through April, Schlissel said it will be “vitally important” to preserve financial resources wherever possible in the face of unpredicted expenses and revenue sources that are suddenly less certain.
“U-M leadership is working closely with all of our schools, colleges and units to better understand and plan for longer-term realities of the pandemic. There is so much we simply do not know right now,” Schlissel said.
“We cannot yet be certain about how long we’ll be asked to stay home, future expenses, demand for classes, the nationwide economic slowdown, potentially greater needs for patient care, and projecting future levels of state support and federal stimulus measures.
“As we examine all of these factors, and the effects of the pandemic unfold, there will be more difficult decisions ahead.”
He urged all employees to “use as appropriate the banks of paid time off for COVID-19-related absences as guided by U-M and the federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act.”
Throughout April, the university will provide additional funds needed to cover COVID-related absences for any regular faculty or staff members who exhaust the paid-time-off banks. He also recommended “judicious use of all available paid time off options” given the pandemic’s uncertain duration.
While the disruptions of COVID-19 mean many U-M spring traditions — from commencement photos to spring sports — will be missing from this year, the president said other “impressive and important” developments will come to define U-M in the spring of 2020.
Those include Michigan Medicine opening a special unit for COVID-19 patients, faculty moving winter, spring and summer courses to alternative modes of instruction, researchers using their expertise to address COVID-19, staff supporting students under often chaotic conditions, and Human Resources implementing paid-time off banks.
“With each passing day, the pandemic affects us on every level,” Schlissel said.
“I know that life is exceedingly difficult right now, and ask you to please take care of your physical and mental health and that of your loved ones. While social distancing remains essential, distant socializing is also strongly recommended. Keep in touch with one another, your families and friends.
“You have my utmost appreciation and gratitude. As a strong community we will overcome these difficult times. Thank you for your myriad contributions to our success and resilience, and stay healthy.”
