November 6, 2020
As you know, we are planning for a spring semester with more face-to-face classes. I am writing to inform you of updates to our process for faculty and graduate teaching assistants to seek exemption from face-to-face teaching.
We have updated the exemption form to add being age 70 or older (as of Jan. 1, 2021) as a reason for exemption. We also have updated the list of medical reasons to include pregnancy, in accordance with the latest CDC list of medical conditions known to increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. These categories can apply either to the faculty member or GTA or someone living in their household. You may need to refresh your browser to see the latest exemption form.
We also have extended the deadline to submit the form and associated medical documentation until Friday, Nov. 20. If you are unable to meet this deadline, please contact Jana Jasinski, vice provost for Faculty Excellence, at Jana.Jasinski@ucf.edu and let her know when you will be able to submit the documents. You should not include any medical information in your correspondence with Dr. Jasinski.
Those who are making requests related to age only need to complete the form; they do not need the medical documentation.
We have heard some concern about sharing medical information and want to reassure you that the office processing exemption requests is the Leave Administration unit in UCF Human Resources that handles all medical requests, such as for the Family and Medical Leave Act. They keep all medical information entirely confidential.
Faculty members who do not teach and are asked to work on campus, such as librarians, will need to complete the staff exemption form if they or someone in their household is in a high-risk category for COVID-19 complications. We anticipate that the form for staff who are required to work on campus will be available next week, and we will keep you posted. Staff exemptions will also have a requirement that staff have the ability to perform appropriate job responsibilities remotely with supervisory approval. Supervisors will not see any medical documentation, as forms will also be submitted to Human Resources.
In planning for the spring semester, we are keeping our students’ academic success at the forefront while maintaining the precautions we are taking for our community’s health and well-being. All of our COVID-19 policies, including physical distancing and wearing face coverings, will remain in effect, and we will not be increasing density in our classrooms. Should public health conditions require a change, we are ready to pivot to more remote teaching at any time if necessary.
Thank you again for your efforts on behalf of our students.
Michael D. Johnson, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs