Working Remotely

Employee Town Hall

Go here (employee only link) to listen to or watch a recording of the April 1, 2020, Andrews University Employee Town Hall on COVID-19 and its impact on University operations.

The Correct Use of Cloth Face Masks

The State of Michigan’s most recent “Stay Home, Stay Safe.” Executive Order is in effect through May 15.

This Executive Order also requires individuals to wear a cloth face mask when in enclosed public spaces (like grocery stores). Additionally, employers are required to provide cloth masks to their essential employees. Andrews University essential employees can contact Campus Safety if they do not have their own cloth face mask.

You can find additional guidelines for the corect use of cloth face masks below and also here.

Putting on

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before putting on your mask, and avoid touching the mask itself as much as possible. Use the elastic or ties to put on your mask, and once it is on, avoid touching or readjusting the mask to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Cover the mouth and nose with the mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

  • If there is one, adjust metal nose piece into shape. It should fit toward the bridge of your nose, but if it doesn’t, make sure that the mouth is completely covered and as much of the nose is covered as possible.

Wearing

  • The mask should not restrict your ability to breathe, but it should be tight enough that there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
  • Avoid touching your mask while you are wearing it, but if you do, make sure to clean your hands immediately with alcohol based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
  • Avoid adjusting your mask while wearing it.

Care and Cleaning

  • Wash your hands after touching your used mask.
  • Wash your mask regularly, preferably after each use (once a day is fine).
  • A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a facemask. Run it through on hot, preferably, and machine dry.
  • Clean masks should be stored in a clean bag, and should avoid contact with everyday surfaces.
  • Store used masks in plastic bags until they can be washed.
  • Even if your mask appears to be reversible, do not reverse it. The same side should be on the outside each time it is worn. Avoid trading used masks, even if clean.
  • A facemask should be used in combination with the other recommendations made by the CDC and WHO, and should not be assumed to be sufficient protection on its own. 

Thank you for continuing to fully honor these restrictions. It gives each one of us a personal responsibility and opportunity to slow the spread of COVID-19, including in our own Andrews University community.

Telecommuting

Our Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) has provided a number of resources to assist those faculty and staff who have had to transition to working at home. Read this guide for details, including how to access the Andrews network, check your voicemail, and protect your privacy.

Taking Care of Your Wellbeing

Counseling & Testing Center

Staff at our campus Counseling & Testing Center (CTC) have developed a new resource that outlines strategies for reducing stress, remaining calm and deepening our connection with God in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—read more here. The CTC is also extending clinical support to Andrews faculty and staff. For mental health assistance, call the CTC at 269-471-3470.

Human Resources 

Change can bring anxiety to each of us and to our families. Andrews currently offers a program that can help in dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. Learn more about confidential access to our Employee Assistance Program, even by phone, to Unum’s licensed professional counselors and work/life specialists.

For additional information on services offered by Human Resources for those who are working remotely, see here.

University Wellness

Our University Wellness team is committed to inspiring Andrews employees toward wellness, even at a time when physical resources for wellness may not always be available (including the current closure of the Andreasen Center for Wellness in response to a State of Michigan Executive Order).

Made To Thrive: "THE LIFT PROJECT” is free online to Andrews employees who register. There is also an online ZOOM group coaching/support session with Chief Wellness Ambassadors Denard Fenaud and Dalry Payne. To register, email Dalry Payne.

We also invite you to download the free wellness transformation guide and work on transformation efforts with your family (in-person) or friends (virtually). If you haven’t yet, please download the free Wellness Club app (it has many tools you can use now, including free live group fitness classes via ZOOM).

Additional Links
Healthy Recipes
Les Mills Free Workouts
Les Mills Workouts for Kids
ACE FITNESS Exercise Library (free)
You can find additional free resources on our website.

If there is any way that Dominique Gummelt, director for University Wellness, and her team can help you lift up your life and thrive despite the difficult circumstances, please email wellness@andrews.edu.

And remember to connect with us via our Facebook page or Instagram.