UNT Guide for Returning to Work

Training and Resources Workplace Expectations and Guidelines Staged Staffing Personal Safety Practices

Stay smart. Stay strong. Stay safe.

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Dear UNT community members,

As we continue to navigate the global health crisis and its impact on our community, we have taken extraordinary steps to keep the UNT community safe, support our students' success through remote learning, and keep all but essential staff at home. Now, through a series of carefully planned stages, we are welcoming back students, faculty, and staff, but our first priority is keeping our Mean Green Family safe and healthy.

We will closely follow the federal and state guidelines of Open America and Open Texas, but in true UNT spirit, we will emphasize caring for each other and our social responsibility to the health of those around us by recognizing the needs of those who are at high risk. It is vital that we look beyond ourselves to consider our neighbors’ needs during this time, and that we protect them to the best of our abilities by taking all necessary precautions in and around the classroom, open areas and workplaces. We must be flexible and responsive if some in our community members need space or other considerations. I am calling for all of us to rise to the challenge of taking care of our community.

This Return-to-Work guide outlines the stages and expectations for a safe return. Campus leaders consulted public health officials and risk management experts, among others, to develop this detailed approach for balancing our educational mission with our responsibility to protect public health and our community. This guide was developed, in part, with input from members of five cross-divisional committees that continue to work through the many challenges we still face today. The committees are Academic Affairs; Student Life; Operations and Physical Plant; Safety and Incident Management; and Research.

UNT’s plans align with local, state and federal orders and ordinances, as well as recommendations from the federal government, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Denton County Public Health and the UNT Health Advisory Team. Please understand that our response to the pandemic continues to evolve, so our policies and plans are subject to change when necessary as more information becomes available. As a result, please check this guide frequently for updates, which will be noted at “What Has Changed in the Guide?”

Together, as members of the Mean Green Family, let’s demonstrate kindness and compassion toward each other as we proceed cautiously and thoughtfully into the fall semester.

Stay healthy and safe,

Neal Smatresk
UNT President
untpresident@unt.edu

Required Training Modules

To ensure UNT’s community members understand the safety guidelines and expectations for returning to campus, the Business Operations Training Team worked with the President’s Cabinet to develop a two-part training course specific to the UNT campus.

The COVID-19 Safety Training for UNT training modules are available through the university’s Bridge System. The training is required of all faculty and staff, including temporary hourly employees, and should be completed before returning to campus. For those essential personnel and those who returned to campus earlier, the training should be completed as soon as possible.

The deadline to complete the training is prior to returning to work or by July 31 at the latest. The university will inform you when the second module is available and its due date.

The complete, two-module COVID-19 Safety Training for UNT is now available through the university’s Bridge System.

  • COVID-19 Safety Training Part I: The first part of the training, which includes an introduction by President Smatresk, includes information on the university’s goals during this time, social distancing, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and other important guidelines to help keep UNT’s community safe.
  • COVID-19 Safety Training Part II: The second module contains guidance on assessing your health each morning for potential COVID-19 symptoms and provides guidance on university resources for any employees who may be ill or self-isolated due to potential COVID-19 exposure.

Screenshot of Bridge training user interface   Screenshot of Bridge training user interface

Important Contact Information and Resources

UNT leaders recognize that the COVID-19 situation can be stressful. There are a number of university resources available for faculty and staff members. Individuals are encouraged to reach out for assistance, if needed.

General helpful phone numbers are

  • COVID Hotline: 844-366-5892 or covid@unt.edu
  • UNT Student Health and Wellness: 940-565-2333
  • Medical City Denton Emergency Room: 940-384-3535
  • Texas Health Presbyterian Denton Emergency Room: 940-898-7000
  • Always call 911 in an emergency

Shortcuts for COVID Information

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential service available to help employees with family, legal or financial issues, substance abuse, or other stressful events. EAP programs are available to retirement-eligible employees, retirees, household members, and dependents. In addition, the EAP has developed resources specific to COVID-19.

Faculty/Staff CARE Team

  • Assists in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of members of the UNT community.
  • Referrals can be filed at report.unt.edu or 940-565-4373. You also may contact Human Resources at 940-565-2281.

Telecommuting Resources

Manager’s Toolkit

  • Managing Virtual Teams: A LinkedIn Learning online video course with tips and strategies to help you successfully manage your remote staff
  • Guide to Managing Remote Staff: A detailed guide on best practices for keeping a remote team focused, productive and engaged

Emergency Notification Information

  • Learn more about Eagle Alert emergency notifications.
  • Maintain your phone number to receive Eagle Alert notifications through the employee portal in my.unt.edu.

What Has Changed in the Guide?

UNT’s Guide for Returning to Campus launched July 1.

UNT’s response to the pandemic continues to evolve, so our policies and plans are subject to change when necessary as more information becomes available. As a result, please check this section of the guide frequently for updates. Updates to various sections will be noted here so you can easily find information you need.

  • Sept. 23: Updates to face mask locations and COVID-19 testing guidelines
  • Sept. 2: Updates to face mask requirements
  • Aug. 10: Updated the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 testing at end of illness and updated mask recommendations
  • Aug. 6: Updates to Buildings Hours Listing
  • Aug. 6: Updates to the site main navigation headers
  • July 10: Post President’s Fall Class options message
  • July 2: Update the Self-Monitoring Information Form with new symptoms
  • July 2: Updates to travel restrictions; self-reporting
  • July 2: Updates to faculty and staff pages
  • July 2: Updates to Parents page