Guidance for Faculty Entering a Flexible Work Arrangement in Workday

Flexibility is inherent in most faculty members’ work schedules and the University expects full-time faculty members to participate fully in their university workspace or on-campus intellectual and educational community and generally does not permit remote work arrangements. Faculty members seeking a temporary change in their university workspace or on-campus work expectations must make a request via Workday and receive approval from their (1) academic unit head (department head/division head/school director/director of academic affairs), (2) their unit HRC or HRSP, and, (3) for full-time faculty, from their dean or chancellor.

Please note the following:

• Faculty may not work from outside the U.S. without prior and separate approval.
• If you are a foreign national working at Penn State and requesting to work remotely off campus, please contact International Faculty Advising (in International Student and Scholar Advising) before moving forward because working remotely may have an impact on your visa/work authorization.
• By completing the Remote Work Request in Workday, you agree to the following stipulations:
• Employees working remotely must comply with all federal and state laws and University policies, procedures, and guidelines, regardless of work location.
• The employee has reviewed Penn State’s ergonomics resources and certifies the telecommuting location is compliant with University ergonomics expectations.
• Employees working remotely are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workspace that provides adequate privacy and security necessary to effectively do their work in accordance with University policy. Remote workspaces must provide sufficient internet speeds for communication and work responsibilities.
• The employee will be expected to safeguard University resources (equipment, data, supplies, etc.) and will protect the confidentiality of University data. The employee assumes responsibility for any loss of, or unauthorized access to, University resources.
• The University will not provide office furniture, internet service, printers or scanners. Additionally, the University will not provide reimbursement for electricity, phone, internet, or office supplies.
• Employees working remotely who sustain injuries/illnesses in the course and/or scope of their employment must follow the normal procedures for reporting the illness or injury. They are responsible for reporting the same to their supervisor and must complete a report through the University’s third-part vendor via online reporting or a phone call within 24 hours of the event. As with any employee claim for workers’ compensation, it is subject to investigation prior to any determination regarding coverage and/or compensability. An employee also may be required to allow one or more representatives of the University to access the remote work location, if applicable.
• An approved Faculty Remote Work Agreement can be modified, altered, or discontinued at any time, at the University’s sole discretion. Reasonable notice will be provided to an employee for modifications, alterations, or discontinuation of remote work, when feasible.
• This agreement is not an employment contract and does not explicitly or implicitly guarantee nor imply permanent employment with the University. The agreement, attachments, and any revisions are not contracts or promises of employment. Nothing in the agreement guarantees employment for any specific term.