Interim Flexible Work Arrangements and Remote Work Regulation

Since receiving guidance from the UNC System Office in May, we have been working to develop an interim Flexible Work Arrangements Regulation here at ECU. This regulation outlines the continuing availability of flexible work arrangement options, such as remote and flexible work schedules, that departments can consider as they plan what their operations will look like for Fall 2021 and beyond.

ECU’s Interim Flexible Work Arrangements and Remote Work Regulation is now available.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our campus was faced with the task of pivoting much of our workforce to a remote work environment to reduce density on campus in accordance with public health safety measures. The duration of this pivot to remote work has been much longer than we expected, and I cannot thank you enough for your hard work in keeping our university open and functioning while protecting the health and safety of Pirate Nation.

Over the past several months, we have continued to transition back to on-campus work and will continue to do so as we approach the beginning of the fall semester. We recognize that there have been benefits and efficiencies achieved as we have met the challenges of the pandemic, along with innovative methods of teaching, serving and conducting business. But we cannot forget the critical importance of a shared on-campus experience, and as we invite our students to return en masse, we must be prepared to return as well so that we can provide the full range of services that our students expect and deserve.

ECU’s interim regulation allows for flexible work arrangements to be provided based upon the needs of the work unit as determined by school, college and/or department leadership. These arrangements may include hybrid, full telework/remote, and flexible work schedules. Full telework/remote work requests will only be approved on a case-by-case basis in limited position-based situations based on industry standards and the recruitment and retention of positions requiring unique skills and experience. All full telework/remote work requests must have the written approval of the appropriate vice chancellor.

Each department or unit should begin developing its own standard operating procedures to complement, while remaining fully compliant with, this interim regulation. These standard operating procedures must be reviewed and approved by the respective division office or vice chancellor in collaboration with the director of employee relations. Once a department or unit’s standard operating procedure has been approved, it can move forward with documenting flexible work arrangements using the revised Flexible Work Arrangement Agreement (formerly Telework Application/Agreement). This agreement requires the approval of the supervisor and department/unit head.

Any questions regarding this regulation or processes related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to employeerelations@ecu.edu.

— Chancellor Philip Rogers