Elon faculty and staff benefits expanded for fall semester

Elon University has adopted an expanded set of employee benefits to support faculty and staff during fall semester 2020. Some temporary benefits put in place during the spring and summer have been extended, while new benefits have been added to help employees cope with the challenges of the pandemic.

Special benefits being provided this fall include the following:

• Pandemic leave: Elon is providing paid time off for both salaried and hourly staff members when they are ill related to COVID-19; in quarantine and not able to work remotely due to symptoms or possible exposure to the virus; or caring for others related to COVID-19. Paid pandemic leave is provided for up to 160 hours and is in addition to regular sick leave. To report this leave, staff should use the special Pandemic Leave code in On-Track. See details at: https://www.elon.edu/u/bft/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/653/2020/05/2020-Pandemic-Leave-Policy-eff.06012020.pdf
• Childcare: Elon worked with the YMCA to establish the YMCA Young Achievers Academy at Elon. Employees receive a 25 percent discount from the normal YMCA rates. The program is designed for students in grades K-8 and focuses on safe childcare while building character and creating learning opportunities. There is also a Leaders Club for 9th and 10th graders. The programs are located in South Campus gym until October 23. For information, contact Ally Snuggs at asnuggs@acymca.org.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Elon has partnered with ComPsych Guidance Resources to offer caring and support services for employees (and their families). This service provides access to confidential support to address a variety of personal or professional issues. This resource is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no charge. Details are at: https://www.elon.edu/u/bft/wellness/emotional-health-well-being/erp/
• Expanded volunteer opportunities: Staff may use their allotted 16 volunteer hours to support COVID-19 needs in their communities. They may also use those hours to volunteer as poll workers on election day.
• COVID-19 testing and health insurance: Faculty and staff selected to participate in the weekly random surveillance testing are provided these tests free of charge. For employees enrolled in the Elon health plan, benefits offered cover the cost of testing and also cover the option of in-network virtual doctor visits.

“Since the pandemic began, Elon has placed a priority on supporting staff and faculty, who are working very hard under difficult circumstances,” said Kelli Shuman, associate vice president for human resources. “I’m especially proud that we have been able to arrange for the YMCA to be on campus to support employees’ families and give their children a safe learning environment while public schools are in remote-learning mode.”

For general information about these and other Elon employee benefits, contact the Office of Human Resources at 336-278-5560 or hr@elon.edu.