Your supervisor will share with you if you are classified as an essential employee.

Expanded definition of essential personnel (from HR):

Due to the unusual circumstances prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, UF has expanded the definition of essential employees to include anyone who may be required to report to work, be “on call” to report to work and/or be available to work remotely. In the past, the “essential” designation was narrowly focused on a short-term emergency closing during which normal business operations were halted for two to three days.

In the scenario we face now, the university is open for business, and “essential” is expanded to ensure business continuity and to provide as-needed access to campus for those employees working remotely. Importantly, please note that while you may be designated “non-essential,” you may still continue to work remotely if you are able to.

Essential v. non-essential employees
Here’s a quick breakdown to help understand these new designations.

On-Campus Essential—Those working on campus
(Examples include: Assistant Director for University Housing, Plumber, Physician)

• Continuation of critical and/or essential services that must be completed on-site
• Maintaining integrity of infrastructure, property or systems on-site
• Necessary on-campus work to maintain the safety and wellbeing of students, faculty and staff

Remote Essential — Those working from a remote location who may need periodic access to campus
(Examples include: Faculty, Payroll Coordinator, IT Professional, Academic Advisor)

• Work is required to maintain operations and business continuity of the University and can be completed remotely
• Access to campus may be needed periodically to complete required work

Remote Non-essential — Those working from a remote location, does not need access to campus
(Examples include: Marketing Specialist, Administrative Specialist, Fiscal Assistant)

• Work is important to the university and may be completed remotely, but is not essential to maintain operations and business continuity

Departments are advised to identify anyone who may need to be on campus as essential to ensure they have the building access they need. Faculty and staff who need to be on campus for any reason should wear their Gator 1 Card so it is visible to ensure safety and security. Directors and AVPs may email gator1card@bsd.ufl.edu to request lanyards and clip-on holders for their departments.

For departments that have staff currently on campus, please have employees wear their Gator 1 Card in a visible location immediately, while on campus. The lanyards and clip-ons will be delivered by campus mail.

Mail can be held at the campus postal facility located at 3030 Radio Rd. A department representative must notify mail services by telephone or e-mail to make pick up arrangements.

Contact information: Sylvia West, Postal Manager; e-mail: campusmail@bsd.ufl.edu.

If a department desires to pick up mail at the postal facility, the department representative must notify mail services by e-mail indicating the individual(s) authorized to pick up mail and a copy of their Gator 1 ID Card. The individual picking up mail must present their Gator 1 ID Card.

If special delivery arrangements are needed, please contact 352-392-0629.

This new procedure is to be implemented immediately across campus. Students, faculty and staff are to wear their Gator 1 Card in a visible location, while on campus.