Information for employees
The situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly, raising many valid questions and concerns among our campus community. The university will update the information on this page reguarly based on decisions as they are made, in accordance with the direction and information provided by public health authorities.
Working remotely
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How do I set up virtual meetings, office hours or classrooms?
Ontario Tech faculty and staff have access to G Suite, a set of cloud computing, productivity and collaboration tools.
G Suite includes the online video conferencing tool Google Meet. Meet takes the headaches out of joining a video call in a classroom or workplace setting; just set up a meeting and share the link.
Need help setting up or using Google Meet?
- Download Using Google Meet instructions (PDF)
- See the Teaching online with G Suite resources on the Teaching and Learning Centre website.
Other human resources-related questions
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If I am in self-isolation for reasons prescribed by public health agencies, and my work equipment remains in my office on campus, what am I to do?
An employee in self-isolation should comply with direction from public health agencies, regardless of whether they have access to work equipment that would enable work-from-home arrangements.
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How is the university managing pay for limited-term/contract/hourly employees?
At this time, the university is continuing with existing pay administration practices without interruption. We will seek further engagement with managers and staff where information is required to ensure no disruption or reduction to pay.
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Are we continuing with Rally2Gether performance development conversation at this time?
The success of performance development conversations is rooted in rich dialogue between managers and staff. Given the potential for increased illness, and the ongoing evolving changes with respect to COVID-19, we will postpone performance development conversations as part of this final phase of the program.
We will continue to monitor our operations and will send notification when managers and staff will be expected to re-engage in this program. However, managers are encouraged to continue the practice of providing regular feedback and recognition for work completed to successfully accomplish goals and meet operational needs.
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Are we tracking employee personal travel?
No. Employees electing to travel abroad or within Canada are reminded of precautions and protocols issued by federal and provincial governments and its agencies.
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What is the status of pre-scheduled professional development events?
All events scheduled up to Monday, April 6 have been postponed. These events will not be delivered virtually, and efforts will be made to re-schedule when it is appropriate to do so.
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Where can I access personal support services?
The mental health of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic is very important to Ontario Tech. As we continue to navigate this new environment together, we understand that change and uncertainty can be challenging, placing pressures on our mental well-being.
The university’s Employee Family Assistance Provider, Morneau Shepell, is available to all employees at this time, both full-time continuing and limited-term. The Human Resources department has provided an overview brochure on how to access these confidential services.
Morneau Shepell has also created a Tips for coping with COVID-19 document to further support learning, understanding and access to information about COVID-19. You can access additional resources by visiting the Work Health Life website. In addition, Morneau Shepell has prepared two webinars: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Emotional well-being during COVID-19. These resources are pre-recorded and can be accessed at any time.
Online safety
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What types of COVID-19-related online/phishing scams should I watch out for?
The worldwide spread of the coronavirus is being used to scare people into clicking on links, opening malicious attachments, or giving out confidential information. Be careful with anything that mentions COVID-19/coronavirus: emails, attachments, any social media, texts on your phone, etc.
Look out for topics like:
- Check updated COVID-19 map in your city.
- COVID-19 infection warning from the local school district.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization emails or social media coronavirus messaging.
- Keeping your children safe from COVID-19.
- Scam phone calls to raise funds for ‘victims’.
- COVID-19 Hospital Visit (claiming you may have come into contact with a family member/colleague/neighbour who has contracted the COVID19 Virus in your office/area and asking you to provide information via an Excel attachment).
There will be several scams circulating related to these topics, so please remember to think before you click.
