Coronavirus response update: California “stay at home” order; salary protection through April 26

March 25, 2020, 7 p.m.

To: University employees
From: Ralph W. Kuncl, President, and the President’s Cabinet 
Subject: Coronavirus response update: California “stay at home” order; salary protection through April 26

Last week, the governor of California issued a “stay at home” order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective until further notice. The University will comply with this mandate by extending its work-from-home policy beyond the previous April 3 deadline as necessary until this order is lifted.

We have heard concerns from many of you about your job security during this unprecedented time. The University is indeed facing significant unexpected costs in the face of this crisis. However, we greatly value our employees and would like to do as much as possible to support you within the context of the University’s limited resources.

Previously, the University announced it would continue all employees’ compensation through at least April 3. Today, we are letting you know the University will continue to pay all employees through Sunday, April 26

After April 26, if our operations continue to face significant disruption due to the pandemic, furloughs or partial furloughs will be introduced for select employees. In the case of a furlough, while employees will not work or receive pay until recalled to their jobs, they will continue to be covered under the employee’s existing University medical plan. 

We are approaching these difficult decisions in this unprecedented situation with the sincere desire to do right by our employees while preserving the viability of the University as a whole. We all hope for a speedy return to normal, when we can come together again to fulfill our mission as a University offering a personalized education, connecting students to a world of opportunity.