"Winter Break" Archive

Reminders: Benefits, compensation and PTO

The following message is shared on behalf of Wake Forest University Human Resources; it appeared in the department’s winter break reminders email to faculty and staff.

Benefits

Faculty and staff may now view their 2021 benefit elections in Workday by visiting the Benefits worklet in Workday, clicking the “Benefits Elections as of Date” in the View section and selecting Jan. 1, 2021, for the “View as of Date.”

Compensation

The last 2020 pay date for non-exempt staff will be December 23 for work performed through December 25. All timecards must be approved by 3 p.m. Friday, December 18. Also, the December 23 paycheck will not have benefit premiums deducted due to having an additional 27th pay cycle this calendar year. Any NC 529 College Savings Plan or 403(b) Retirement Plan employee contributions will still be deducted as planned.

Paid time off (PTO)

All accrued but unused PTO will carry over into calendar year 2021. As leaders encourage teams to recharge this holiday season and beyond, we invite you to use this Winter Break Toolkit for successfully supporting colleagues while they take time away during winter break or when appropriate for each unit.

Please contact Wake Forest University Human Resources with any questions at askHR@wfu.edu or 336.758.4700.

Winter break: SneezSafe, return to campus and Faculty and Staff Clinic

The following message is shared on behalf of Wake Forest University Human Resources; it appeared in the department’s winter break reminders email to faculty and staff.

Faculty and staff who anticipate needing to access campus at any time are required to complete the daily wellness screening through SneezSafe and comply with all University policies and protocols, including those that require use of face coverings and social distancing. Colleagues who do not anticipate needing access to campus during this intermittent break should still continue to monitor wellness using SneezSafe.

Those who previously requested an exemption from completing SneezSafe and who intend to return to campus this spring will need to have their supervisor complete the Restore Campus Access Form and begin completing the SneezSafe daily wellness screening at least two weeks prior to return.

The Faculty and Staff Clinic will continue to be available throughout the winter break, with the exception of Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, during which colleagues should visit the nearest clinic. Wake Forest will continue to waive all medical plan member cost-sharing for treatments related to COVID-19, if a member is diagnosed with the virus, through March 31, 2021.

Thank you for your cooperation. Please contact Wake Forest University Human Resources with any questions at askHR@wfu.edu or 336.758.4700.

Winter break dates, campus access and operations

The following message is shared on behalf of Wake Forest University Human Resources; it appeared in the department’s winter break reminders email to faculty and staff.

Winter break holiday

As a reminder, the University will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 through Friday, Jan. 12021, for winter break. Departments may offer administrative leave for early dismissal on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. or two hours before the end of the regularly scheduled shift.

Classes for undergraduate students will resume Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Campus access and operations

Faculty and staff will retain Deacon OneCard access to the Reynolda Campus throughout winter break. The winter break temperature setback program, which reduces building temperatures of unoccupied spaces to no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, will occur Dec. 23 through Jan. 4. Faculty or staff who intend to work on campus during this time are advised to wear appropriate clothing for cooler indoor temperatures.

We understand that many faculty and staff enjoy taking advantage of the quiet campus during winter break, but this year we are asking colleagues to opt to remain off campus, if possible. Departments may inquire about being exempt from the temperature setback program by contacting Tim Mitchell (mitchetw@wfu.edu), building services specialist.

Information regarding holiday hours for various campus services can be found on the Campus Life website.

Thank you for your cooperation. Please contact Wake Forest University Human Resources with any questions at askHR@wfu.edu or 336.758.4700.

Winter break and COVID-19 prevention

The following message is shared on behalf of Wake Forest University Human Resources; it appeared in the department’s winter break reminders email to faculty and staff.

As many of us take a well-deserved break this holiday season, your health and wellbeing continue to be our top priority and concern. Cases of COVID-19 are increasing significantly in our area and across the country. You can reduce the likelihood of your exposure to COVID-19 by following the CDC’s guidance on the Three Ws, limit the number of individuals with whom you spend time, always wear a face covering when with others who do not live in your home, and avoid gatherings where meals are served. The CDC has also provided guidance on holiday gatherings, various types of travel, and new recommendations for testing and quarantine related to international travel.

Winter break guidance for students was distributed in this message from Penny Rue, Vice President for Campus Life.

This year has been exceptionally challenging, both professionally and personally, for many. The holiday season reminds us of what we have to be grateful for – our Wake Forest community. It was the individual commitment of each one of you that helped keep campus open and our positive case count minimal this semester. Thank you for your enduring dedication to our students and to each other.

Updates from HR: Winter Break Toolkit, clinic holiday hours, 2021 prescription plan reminders

Winter Break Toolkit

As leaders encourage teams to recharge this holiday season, we invite you to use this guide for successfully supporting colleagues while they take time away during winter break or when appropriate for each unit.

Faculty and staff clinic holiday hours

The Faculty & Staff Clinic will remain open during the winter break; however, the clinic will be closed with no nurse available by phone on the following days:

  • Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27
  • Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25
  • Friday, Jan. 1

Reminder: Prescription plan changes

Through Dec. 31, those enrolled in the University’s BCBSNC medical plan have access to the OptumRx Pharmacy Portals to verify prescription coverage, requirements and costs.

Learn more and access the OptumRX portal from the benefits page on the human resources website.

“The Basics of Medicare”

Join Elder Care Choices Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 12 p.m. for an overview of Medicare parts, terms and definitions. Learn about important things to remember when pursuing Medicare and where to go for assistance.

Orange Status through Thanksgiving

ICYMI: Due to the current number of positive cases of COVID-19 among students and concerning trends nationally and locally, Wake Forest will remain in Orange Operating Status through Thanksgiving. View the Nov. 12 message from President Hatch on the Our Way Forward website.

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