UIC SAC Newsletter June 2021
"A support for Civil Service Employees"
June 2021 Newsletter PDF
In This Issue Heading link
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Janice Watkins Award
Learn more about the 2021 Janice Watkins Award.
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ARPA Information
Learn about paid time off regarding Covid-19.
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COVID-19 General Information
Learn about vaccines, testing, and further updates.
American Rescue Plan Act Heading link
As employees continue to get vaccinated, a common question arises:
Is paid time off provided to receive the vaccine, or are sick/vacation days used?
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was created, extending and renewing emergency paid sick and family leave provisions through September 30, 2021.
It provides up to two weeks of paid sick leave to employees unable to work or telework due to COVID-19, regardless of leave time earned per the organization’s leave policy.
For further questions, please contact your HR representative.
Faculty and Staff Town Hall Heading link
On May 6, Chancellor Michael D. Amiridis conducted a townhall meeting for faculty and staff. Vaccine distribution, safety measures, and upcoming plans for the Fall 2021 semester were discussed amongst other things.
Over 122,000 vaccines have been given at UIC, and this number continues to grow. It is highly encouraged to receive the vaccine, but it is not required. Since the University of Illinois is a public school system, this requirement is currently not possible, but is subject to change. Despite the number of vaccinated people increasing, masks are still required on campus, as well as 6-feet social distancing. This will continue through the Fall 2021 semester.
UIC has been a safe place since the beginning of the pandemic, successfully maintaining a positivity rate below 0.8%. Restrooms, classrooms, and elevators will continue to be deep cleaned using an electrostatic spraying process with hospital grade disinfectant. Sanitizer stations and wipes will be readily available, and air quality is regularly checked to ensure it is operating optimally.
Chancellor Amiridis asks everyone to “Place your trust in science, follow the safety protocols, and continue to the creation of a safe environment.” This has been a difficult year, and everyone’s participation and hard work does not go unnoticed by the University.
For more information, the Town Hall can be watched here.
COVID-19 General Information Heading link
Vaccines
UIC strongly encourages all employees to get vaccinated. Vaccines are now being offered at the Credit Union 1 Arena, Pilsen Family Health Center, Mile Square locations, as well as various pop-up vaccine sites to accommodate all faculty and staff. Appointments are no longer required at the Credit Union 1 location. More information can be found here.
COVID-19 Testing
UIC Healthcheck, Daily Pass, and saliva testing continues. At the moment, those who are vaccinated still need to get tested, but this is subject to change. Alternate testing is available if one cannot complete the saliva test due to special circumstances.
Note: Testing hours have been reduced for the summer but will increase if needed. More information can be found here.
Support
For employees and staff that need support mentally and emotionally, the employee assistance program is currently being expanded. Employees are encouraged to utilize these resources when needed. More information can be found here.
Janice Watkins Award Nominations Heading link
The University recognized the passing of Janice Watkins by instituting the Award for Distinguished Civil Service as a memorial to Janice and her dedication to her coworkers, fellow employees, and the total University community. The award has three objectives:
- To bring to the attention of the University community the achievements of its basic but less visible group;
- To show that support staff can and do demonstrate dedication to people as well as to required task;
- To give to exceptional support staff the gratitude of the University and the recognition of their peers in the form of the Janice Watkins Award.
Nominations for the Janice Watkins Award are due soon:
July 2, 2021 at 5pm.
More information and the application can be found here.
Upcoming Meetings Heading link
| June 15, 2021 |
| July 20, 2021 |
| August 17, 2021 |
| September 21, 2021 |