The University’s plans for Teaching in the Academic Year 2021-22 can be read at the link below:
Teaching in 2021-22
Work from home: From Friday 19th November, the public health advice is that those who can work from home should do so, unless it is necessary to attend in person. As higher education is categorised as an essential activity and teaching continues on campus, there are roles that require presence on campus, such as teaching, work in essential activities and student-facing roles.
Contact your Head of Department with any questions.
Public health guidelines will continue to inform decisions, with the health and safety of staff and students being paramount.
Prior to the Return to Campus 30 August 2021, the University instituted a Return to Campus process. For reference, that process requires all staff returning to work on campus to complete a short questionnaire and watch a three-minute COVID safety video. The questionnaire can be accessed here. Staff who completed the return to campus process already should view a refresher video here. Outside of completing this process, there is no specific permission is needed.
You must not come to campus if:
- HSE guidelines have informed you to self-isolate or restrict your movements.
Please read more information for staff about working from campus here
Home Workstation Questionnaire
It is essential that employees have a safe working environment when working from home. As such, all employees should complete the Home Workstation Questionnaire to establish the suitability of their home working environment. This questionnaire is available here.
Once completed, your questionnaire will be reviewed by a member of Campus Services. If it is determined that you require additional equipment to ensure that your place of work is safe, you will be contacted by a member of Campus Services to discuss your requirements.
IT Equipment
While working from home during Covid-19 restrictions, employees should continue to use their University assigned IT equipment. If necessary, employees should contact their Head of Department so that they can collect same from their Department.
Where it is not possible for an employee to collect their assigned IT equipment from the campus, or their assigned equipment is not suitable to use from home, the University will, where possible, provide the necessary equipment, such as headsets, keyboards and a mouse, to ensure that they can work effectively from home. Any equipment that the University provides remains the property of the University. Therefore, employees must keep this equipment safe and avoid any misuse.
If you require additional IT equipment, you should send a request to IT Services (servicedesk@mu.ie) cc’ing your Head of Department/Budget Holder and using “WFH IT Equipment Request” in the subject line.
IT Services will then source the requisite items and, when sourced, you will be notified and requested to schedule a time to pick the equipment up from IT Services in the Eolas Buildings. Pick-up of equipment will be by scheduled appointment only.
Please note, whenever pre-used equipment is supplied, it will be thoroughly sanitised beforehand.
Working Remotely Policies and Guidelines
Employees are encouraged to read the below University policies and guidelines, which provide information on working from home working during this period.
Working From Home During COVID-19 Policy
Guidance for Data Protection
IT support when working from home Guidance on working from home
Guidance for Health and Safety When Working From Home During the Covid Period
Library Guide to Online Resources
Return to Campus Quick Guide
International Travel on University Business
An Employee no longer needs approval from a member of UE for work related travel.
Travel is allowed once it is not against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs. When travelling to Europe, an employee should be in possession of the European Health Insurance Card and the EU Digital Covid Certificate.
Travel Insurance cover is no longer automatic. Prior to undertaking any University-related travel, you should:
- Confirm that travel is essential at this time with your University Executive member (e.g. VP, Dean of Faculty).
- Check Department of Foreign Affairs security status for the destination or any stopovers is neither ‘Avoid non-essential travel’ nor ‘Do not travel’ General COVID-19 Travel Advisory - Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.ie).
- Contact the Health and Safety Office to confirm if travel insurance can be obtained: healthandsafety@mu.ie
- Departments and individuals should be aware of the travel insurance exclusions and consider the possible time implication or financial implications that may arise due to Covid-19 with the possible exception of medical expenses or repatriation which may be payable in limited circumstances.
- Delay or cancel your trip if advised to do so by the Safety Office or if the destination or any stopover to the destination is ‘Avoid non-essential travel’ or ‘Do not travel’ (as designated by the Department of Foreign Affairs).
Please ensure you check the HSE guidelines [here].
