Update to Bay Path Faculty and Staff: Working Remotely

March 23, 2020

Dear Bay Path Colleagues,

My March 17 email to the Bay Path community included notice that we were implementing a temporary remote-working model. Today, I am updating all employees about our decision to intensify this approach and significantly reduce the number of individuals who are physically on campus.

With the exception of a very limited number of staff, all employees will work remotely 100% of the time effective Tuesday, March 24.

This is not a decision that we made lightly. But the Executive Staff, Kathy Robbins, and I believe this is the best way to protect the health and well-being of our entire community. We have all been monitoring the news, as well as guidelines established by the CDC and state and local Departments of Health, which all point to the necessity of this kind of action. This approach is increasingly becoming the norm of organizations across the country as the COVID threat escalates daily.

The good news is that our transition to working remotely has been going exceptionally well! I have enjoyed hearing how various teams have been working together, keeping one another engaged, and supporting our students in countless ways. Personally, I’m learning new skills. I am inspired by the creativity and commitment of faculty and staff, and am very optimistic about our ability to keep our operations moving forward.

Each divisional VP is determining which staff are considered critical for on-campus work, for example campus public safety and facilities, and will communicate with these individuals. All other employees are asked to refrain from coming to campus. We recognize that you may need to retrieve items from your office that will enable you to work productively at home, and will permit limited, approved access. Your supervisor will work with you to arrange access should this need arise.

I close this message with two heartfelt points. First, my thoughts are with each one of you. Nothing is more important than the health of you and your families and I pray you are, and will remain, well. Secondly, my gratitude. I am bolstered by the knowledge that we are working together to overcome this crisis and I thank you for your strength, your determination, and your compassion for our community.

Yours,
Carol A. Leary
President