June 28, 2021
Good afternoon,
The Re-entry Committee would like to share a few important updates with you.
MIOSHA Lifts Emergency Workplace Rules for Most Employers
As Michigan returns to full capacity, all gathering restrictions and face mask orders have been lifted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Last week, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) filed new COVID-19 emergency rules to align with the federal OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standards. Most notably, MIOSHA’s new emergency rules “supersede the entirety of the emergency rules filed on May 24, 2021,” and expressly adopt the federal OSHA standards for the healthcare industry.
With these updates, our priority moving forward continues to be encouraging and promoting a safe workplace for all. The University will continue to follow best practices concerning daily health screenings, face coverings and social distancing. This means faculty, staff and student-employees should continue completing the daily symptom checker before coming to work, and to please mask up if you are not fully vaccinated and cannot maintain 6-ft of distance from others. While these are no longer MIOSHA or University requirements, they are recommended as best practices by the CDC.
The University’s healthcare settings will follow the federal OSHA standards established for the healthcare industry.
Domestic Travel
The University is resuming University-sponsored domestic travel with the appropriate approvals by your supervisor and vice president. All faculty, staff and student-employees/volunteers traveling for the University should adhere to CDC domestic travel guidance. Per this guidance, those who are not fully vaccinated should schedule a COVID-19 test prior to and following authorized travel opportunities.
Any faculty, staff or student-employees/volunteers who are required as part of their job to travel and feel they are unable to do so should communicate this with their supervisor and Human Resources at [email protected].
COVID-19 Vaccines Available
The University strongly encourages all faculty, staff and students to get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have not been vaccinated and would like to be, please contact Birkam Health Center at x2614, Option 2, to set-up an appointment.
In-person Meetings
Tools including Zoom and MS Teams have been incredible resources for the University. While we can continue to use these tools, in-person meetings are allowed. With the Gatherings and Face Mask Order rescinded, there are no longer room capacity restrictions. As a reminder, if you are not fully vaccinated and participating in an in-person meeting, it is a recommended best practice to mask up if you cannot maintain 6-ft of distance between you and your colleagues.
Tech Support is Still Available
As we look forward to operating in-person this fall, faculty can still utilize the technology resources implemented over the past year. Please reach out to the eLearning department, the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning and/or Information Technology Services as early as possible so they can assist you with your needs for the fall.
Ferris Health Reminders
Please remember to complete the daily symptom checker each day you are coming to campus, even if you are fully vaccinated. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, and stay home if you are not feeling well.
The FSU Re-entry Committee greatly appreciates the considerable efforts made by our University community to ensure a safe and successful return to work. If you have questions, please contact the committee at [email protected] for assistance. Together, we can keep our University and each other healthy and safe.
-The FSU Re-entry Committee