TO:   Members of the North Central Michigan College Community

FROM:   Dr. David Roland Finley, President, North Central Michigan College

The safety of our campus community is our highest priority.  

While we are all charged with mitigating the spread of coronavirus, the college is committed to doing what’s possible to help its employees through this difficult time.  To this end, beginning now through April 6, the college will provide relief to those employees with extenuating circumstances.  To our full- and part-time employees, if your circumstances require you to work from home, you will not be required to use your paid time off (PTO).  The following are examples that might necessitate a shift to working remotely:

  • Employees need time off due to childcare issues resulting from closed daycare facilities.
  • Employees themselves (or significant people in their household) have chronic health conditions as identified by the CDC. 
  • Employees are experiencing possible Coronavirus symptoms and must isolate for 14 days.
  • Employees have been in contact with someone with Coronavirus and must isolate for 14 days.

Should the pandemic extend beyond April 6, it may be necessary for the college to take additional steps.

Please work with your supervisor and HR to make these arrangements.

To our employees who have normal circumstances for which they must miss work, we ask that they use the appropriate PTO time.  For example:

  • If you are sick, we ask that you use your sick time. 
  • If you have already requested vacation time for Spring Break, we ask that you use your vacation time. 

Full-time faculty and adjunct faculty are not impacted by this decision, as pay is governed by a year-long contract.

Out of consideration for our campus community and an abundance of caution, please note the following regarding spring break travel.  If your spring break plans include air travel, or if you embark on a cruise or any other travel situation that could put you in contact with individuals from a location experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, you will be expected to self-quarantine at home for 14 days, utilizing your PTO, prior to returning to work.  If you do not have sufficient PTO, these 14 days will be non-paid, as we all have the choice as to whether or not to travel during this time. Self-disclosure of this type of travel will be required.

Much is unknown about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) that has thrust us, and the entire U.S., into an unprecedented situation.  Circumstances are changing rapidly. Nevertheless, our central focus remains the safety of our campus community. 

Please be assured that the Cabinet leadership team is closely monitoring federal, state and local guidance with respect to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Expect further announcements later this week and beyond, as necessary.

Stay healthy and be safe!