New DEM Requirement: Two In-Person Engagement and Development Days
We are committed to, and believe we have greatly benefitted from providing remote work flexibility while balancing the need for in-person team events that engage and strengthen both our division and vast array of campus and community partnerships. We have demonstrated that the much of our work can be done remotely. At the same time, we do recognize that some in-person connections are necessary to ensure we continue to thrive as a team. Team engagement and development opportunities support our long-term success as well as our ability to continue to permit remote work offerings that 98.5% of DEM team members are utilizing for this upcoming year.
To facilitate this, the DEM Directors have decided that in-person campus attendance will be required for two annual, division-wide team engagement and development days. These days will align with two signature events, the DEM Fall Forum and DEM Annual Awards Gala. DEM team members are asked to attend these events in person unless they otherwise qualify for an exception.
In-Person Day #1: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 | The DEM Fall Forum
In-Person Day #2. Thursday, April 18 2024 | The DEM Annual Awards Gala
A combination of activities that are intended to engage team members both across the full Division as well as within their units and immediate teams will be planned to ensure the impact of these days can be maximized. The expectation given to the directors is that minimal routine work should occur on these days. Team building events, professional development offerings and other activities in addition to attendance at the Fall Forum and Annual Awards Gala should be the focus. Please share ideas of possible ways to best utilize these days with your team lead. More details for the upcoming DEM Fall Forum date will be shared in the next few weeks.
This expectation is considered an amendment to your Remote Work Agreement. You do not need to submit a new RWA. Below are answers to common questions that may arise related to this new expectation.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your team lead, director, or Jeremy.
Do I need to be in-person for the entire workday or just for the event?
The expectation is that team members will be in-person for the entire workday and attend activities planned by their unit, in addition to the DEM Fall Forum and DEM Annual Awards Gala.
Will I need to submit a new Remote Work Agreement?
No. This expectation is considered an amendment to your Remote Work Agreement. You do not need to submit a new RWA.
Does this expectation apply to Students, Temporary Employees or Graduate Assistants?
No. This expectation only applies to University (US), Academic (AS) and Limited (LI) team members. Temporary Employees (CJ, TE), Graduate Assistants (PA, GA) and Student Hourlies (SH) are highly encouraged to attend, however, are not required. Remote Readers are considered Temporary Employees.
How much notice will be provided when the dates are determined?
At minimum, at least a two month notice will be provided, although it is our goal to share future required dates with as much notice as possible. The DEM Fall Forum will occur on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. The DEM Annual Awards Gala will occur on Thursday, April 18th, 2024.
Do I need to register for the DEM Fall Forum?
Yes. DEM will send out registration in the coming weeks to DEM team members which will include more information on the activities for the day.
I am already planning to be off that day, do I need to adjust my plans?
No. We understand that team members may have already made plans to be off for one or both of those days. Team leads should not pressure or require team members to adjust their plans.
I’ll be on-campus these days, but I have essential core responsibilities that I need to complete. What should I do?
There may be essential core responsibilities that need to be completed and may require some team members to miss the DEM events and other engagement and development activities. Examples include mission-related events such as hosting an Admissions info session, or their role engages with the public. Please discuss with your team lead if you believe you need to miss some of these activities.
What are the approved exceptions to this in-person expectation?
The following are approved exceptions to the in-person expectation. If the team member…
- …is traveling to accomplish a business need (e.g. conference, college fair, etc.)
- …has an approved Remote Work Agreement AND remote work is for a business need (e.g. regional recruiter) AND the unit approved the exception
- …is part of a team addressing an emergency situation related to a service DEM provides (e.g. SIS outage, etc.)
- …has a medical accommodation to work remotely
- …has team lead approval to use leave for that day
- …followed unit sick leave protocol for an approved sick leave absence reason
- …determines there are safety concerns that are addressed in the Inclement Weather Policy.
- Travel related costs for team members with an approved Remote Work Agreement AND remote work is for a business need (e.g. regional recruiter).