Sac State delays return-to-office directive amid staff push-back

"Earlier this month, the Office of the Provost sent a message to Division of Academic Affairs employees informing them that the university was discontinuing all telework agreements with workers, except those with accommodations. Provost Erika Cameron informed workers that they would be expected to be working in person five days a week by Feb. 2. Last week, Cameron held a town hall to discuss the policy during which she faced push back from staff, according to people who were present at the meeting."

"After the meeting, the provost pushed back the schedule for rolling out the policy, a decision Cameron said was made to foster a smoother transition back to in-person work. The new policy will require Academic Affairs staff to be in offices four days a week beginning March 15 and fully in person by July 1. Cameron also said that she appreciated the feedback from staff but "felt that the tone of the meeting at times veered away from being respectful.""

"The reasoning for the policy change that Cameron cited in her memo was that staff needed to be physically present on campus to be more responsive to student needs and to help support faculty. The announcement took Academic Affairs staff by surprise, said Manuel Lopez, the chief steward at Sacramento State for the Academic Professionals of California, which represents employees impacted by the policy change. "Staff were floored that now we're being told we're not providing the services needed for students or faculty," he said."

The Office of the Provost informed Division of Academic Affairs employees that most telework agreements will be discontinued, except for accommodations, requiring a phased return to campus. An initial expectation of five days in person by Feb. 2 was revised; staff will be required on campus four days a week beginning March 15 and fully in person by July 1. University leadership said physical presence will improve responsiveness to student needs and support for faculty. The announcement surprised and upset staff and labor representatives, who reported damaged morale and disagreement over whether services were insufficient.

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