SUBJECT: Common Days and Future of Work

Dear Campus Community;

The life of the campus means many things from a snack in the UC to group study in the Mardigian to a lecture hosted by one of our colleges. Students, staff, and faculty create the heartbeat of UM-Dearborn and with the pandemic and our move to virtual learning and services, many of those on-campus experiences were missed by so many of us. While we provided a high quality education and a flexible work experience, there are lessons to be learned as we move forward. For these reasons the Provost’s Office in partnership with our Human Resources team is instituting “Common Days” for Fall 2022 and Winter 2023. What we are asking is that all units aim for having staff who work a virtual or hybrid schedule to be on campus on either Monday or Thursday each week to contribute to a vibrant campus life. We also ask that you prioritize Mondays or Thursdays for department, college, and unit events, and social activities (e.g. coffee/breakfasts, lunches, MHealthy walks, etc.).

Secondly, and relatedly, I want to announce the formation of a Future of Work Task Force co-chaired by Associate Provost Maureen Linker and HR Director Rima Berry-Hung with the following members:

• Provost Gabriella Scarlatta
• Associate Provost Mitch Sollenberger
• Dean of Students Amy Finley
• ITS Director Carrie Shumaker
• Dr. Claudia Meeks (CEHHS)
• Dr. Jessie Lee (COB, Consulting)
• COB faculty (TBD)
• Director of the Mardigian Library Jean Song
• Staff Senate Representative Eva Gogola (IA)
• McKenna Maurino
• Kelsey Parker

The charge for the Task Force is to develop principles and recommendations that will support workplace models for employees on the Dearborn Campus. The group’s work is intended to create an institutional framework to aid colleges and units with decision-making, as well as provide tools, resources, and training to support them. In addition, the group will identify key success indicators necessary to sustain workforce excellence through the balance of flexibility, accountability and inclusivity.

Timing and Deliverables: The task force will begin its work in June and deliver a final report by November 15. It will make short, mid and long-term recommendations presented in a final report to university leadership. As work progresses, the committee is likely to identify recommendations that can be implemented immediately, before a final report is issued.

Thank you all for all you have done and continue to do to make UM-Dearborn a great place to learn, work, grow, and develop professionally and personally.

Gabriella

Gabriella Scarlatta
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs