On September 30, 2021 the NSHE Board of Regents approved an emergency amendment to NSHE Code that sets forth policies and procedures enacting a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all NSHE employees. Under this policy, all NSC employees are required to complete a full COVID-19 vaccine series by December 1, 2021.
We recognize that returning to campus operations comes with a level of uncertainty, and we want to assure each of you that the College continues to put in place protocols to support a safe and healthy return. These include continuing the campus-wide sanitation stations, additional campus cleanings, use of plexi-glass partitions, increased air ventilation, and use of MERV 13 air filters. We are starting the ventilation and exhaust operation earlier before normal building occupancy and extending the ventilation and exhaust operation after normal building occupancy schedules for each day. Best practices like these support a safer environment.
Additionally, as a result of the campus’ commitment to the health and safety of our community, Nevada State has some of the highest vaccination rates for employees and students at 95% and 89%, respectively.
We are confident that our vaccination rates, coupled with continued health and safety protocols, will make for the safest possible return to campus for all stakeholders and will allow us to meet the needs of our students and continue on our audacious mission.
The College will continue to work closely with the Southern Nevada Health District, our Emergency Managers and the NSC COVID-19 Incident Management Planning Team to follow CDC, State, NSHE, and local health and safety guidelines. We will communicate tools and changes to those guidelines, including those outlined in this communication, so that you have the information and tools you need to succeed. For additional information and resources to support your return to campus, please review the following:
Temporary Emergency Remote Work Accommodation
The College continues to work towards finalizing an Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. Pending the implementation of that policy, alternative work schedules and remote work are not authorized. However, as we continue to operate during a pandemic, there may be situations that require Temporary Emergency Remote Work Accommodations. As such, employees who have self-reported and are confirmed, per CDC guidelines, as required to quarantine/ isolate may, with the approval of their supervisor, work from home for the duration of the quarantine/ isolation period so long as they are well enough to do so. If an employee is required to care for a dependent who is under quarantine/isolation, the employee may, with the approval of their supervisor, request Temporary Emergency Remote Work Accommodation.
Recently, the CDC updated guidelines for determining quarantine/ isolation requirements after being exposed to COVID. Please read the full update here: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html. Please note that the College will continue to monitor these guidelines and will update the campus community if/when changes occur.
Employees who are sick or unable to work must use sick leave or annual leave if sick leave is unavailable.
Protect the Scorpion Community from Illness
Work Accommodations
Employees who have a qualifying medical condition that prevents them from returning to campus or those requiring accommodation in order to perform their job duties may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA & ADAAA). Please contact Eric Gilliland, Director of Human Resources at Eric.Gilliland@nsc.flywheelstaging.com to initiate the reasonable accommodation process.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees continue to have access to the EAP through ComPsych. These confidential services are available to all employees and provide three free sessions, per issue, per year. Employees who may be facing personal everyday challenges are encouraged to visit nsc.flywheelstaging.com/human-resources/eap/ to learn more about the services offered.
Thank you for your continued support and efforts to keep Nevada State safe and healthy. We look forward to seeing you on campus this semester.
