Here is your daily update for March 25.
Flex Day Clarification: Message from the Vice Chancellor
The following message went from Vice Chancellor Aaron McVean to faculty and staff today:
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
We have received some questions regarding the March 27th Flex Day that was identified in the academic calendar and wanted to provide some additional clarification. As was previously communicated, March 27th is to be used as a real flex-ible day for whatever it is you need to do to continue to maintain instructional continuity for students. With that in mind, I want to provide the following information:
For adjunct faculty who are schedule for instructional and non-instructional work on Friday, you can perform the work that was scheduled, including teaching, or you can engage in professional development, or a combination of both, and submit hours to be compensated. As usual this is available for adjuncts who were already scheduled to work on Friday, and for the number of hours and rate they were scheduled (e.g., if someone was scheduled for four hours, they could engage in four hours of professional development and be compensated). Folks will need to submit a timesheet specifying the time and type of activity, as well as a flex report if engaging in professional development as a flex activity. If adjunct faculty dedicate the time for personal matters, that option has been made available, but would not qualify for compensation.
If any faculty choose to engage in professional development as a flex activity this Friday, these activities do not need to be preapproved for March 27th. They can still be included in your flex activity report at the end of the semester.
I hope this clarifies questions that folks had. If more arise, please communicate with your respective Dean, VP, or supervisor, and we will get answers to you in as timely a manner as possible. I appreciate the willingness and flexibility of everyone in doing what is needed during this unprecedented time. Thank you all, again, for the work you are doing to ensure teaching and learning continues. Be safe, be well, and support one another.
Respectfully,
Aaron McVean, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor
Educational Services and Planning
How to Make a Safe and Healthy Home Workplace
Many employees have never worked from home. Even if you have, you probably haven’t done so for extended periods of time while balancing work requirements with family duties. But a few small changes to your home work environment can help create a more comfortable, safe, and productive telecommuting experience. Here are some best practices:
- Ergonomically friendly work area: Use a sturdy chair that can be adjusted. Refrain from sitting on very soft couches and chairs as they do not support the body evenly during extended sitting.
- Adjust seating height, so your forearms are parallel to the floor when typing.
- Place a small pillow behind your lower back while sitting to maintain the natural curve of your spine.
- Use an external mouse and place objects — such as your phone, mouse, and printed materials — close to your body to minimize reaching.
- Place your feet entirely on the floor.
- Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day (about every hour) to reduce excessive stress on the lower back and legs while sitting.
- Take short micro-breaks (approximately two minutes in length) every hour to stretch and move your body.
- Be careful not to overload electrical outlets to avoid fire risk.
- Be aware of your extension/power cords to minimize tripping hazards.
- Keep your laptop and equipment in a secure place after hours that can be protected from damage or theft.
- If possible, find a dedicated workspace where you can focus on your work with minimal distractions.
- Inspect your home work area: A home workspace should be free from any hazards, including fire and ventilation issues, slipping and falling dangers, and other daily risk factors.
Also see these 5-minute stretches from San Mateo Athletic Club.
Call the District Hotline with Your Questions
The District has opened a telephone hotline for employees, students, and community members. We’ve assembled answers to the most common questions about operating during the COVID-19 crisis. The hotline will be open Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm. To suggest questions or answers for the call center, please submit our online form. The hotline is: 650-574-6650
Zoom Meeting: What To Do About the Coronavirus
Skyline College’s Dr. Walter Cheng will be giving a talk this Friday, March 27 at 11am on the latest updates, news, and medical concerns about the Coronavirus. This is a follow-up to Dr. Cheng’s first talk, which is viewable at Skyline College Health & Wellness’ Overview page. This viewing is open to students and faculty/staff alike, so please spread the word and join!
Here is the zoom invite info:
Topic: What to do about the Coronavirus Part 2
Time: Mar 27, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/502147101
Meeting ID: 502 147 101
Get the Latest District Information
District COVID-19 Page
Telephone Hotline: 650-574-6650