Resources for Faculty, Staff, and Students
The University of Georgia continues to provide resources for health and wellbeing, online learning and instruction, and other basic needs.
Employee Benefits Resources
Campus Messages regarding Employee Benefits
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New Paid Leave Provisions under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Information on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which includes a provision for emergency paid sick leave and an expansion of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) coverage.
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Free COVID-19 Screenings for UGA Faculty and Staff
All University System of Georgia employees are now eligible for free COVID-19 virtual screenings through Augusta University Health System’s AU Health Express Care app.
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UGA Faculty and Staff Non-Closure Emergency Leave Procedures
The University System of Georgia (USG) has issued Non-Closure Emergency Leave Procedures that give USG presidents the authority to allow Leave with Pay for emergency leave where the institution remains open but with reduced operations.
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USG Healthcare Plan and Other Benefits Resources
As the situation related to COVID-19 evolves, we want to make sure you are aware of the important benefits and resources available to you through the USG Benefits programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Employee Benefits
USG provides an employee assistance program to employees and family members with free, comprehensive support through the KEPRO Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-844-243-4440.
UGA also offers additional support for employees, including:
- Grief Counseling through MetLife (USG life insurance). Call 1-888-319-7819 for more information.
- Kiz Adams/Human Resources, UGA Well-being Coordinator. Email wellbeing@uga.edu or call 706-542-7319.
- The database of mental health professionals in the Athens area can be found here.
The federal entitlement leave benefits from FFCRA cover the care for others and the extended FMLA benefits care for children while the school is closed due to a public health emergency associated with COVID-19.
Yes, for COVID-19 related in-network provider visits and testing, out of pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, will be waived (no cost) for you and any covered dependents if you are enrolled in one of the USG healthcare plans through Anthem BCBSGA or Kaiser Permanente (including employees enrolled in the Consumer Choice HSA).
Yes, FMLA allows an eligible employee to take FMLA leave if either the employee or an immediate family member, defined as spouse, child or parent, contracts the virus.
It depends...
If you are eligible for FMLA and you have tested positive for COVID-19, then yes FMLA will be available to you.
If employees have only been exposed to the virus, FMLA is not applicable. However, they may still need to be quarantined, and applicable non-FMLA leave (to include sick leave) could be an option subject to standard request and approval procedures.
Approval of all COVID-19 related accommodations and flexible work arrangements (including telework) expired June 30, 2021. Requests for ADA accommodations or flexible work arrangements will be reviewed in accordance with the pre-pandemic UGA ADA accommodations or Telework/Flextime policies. Please contact University Human Resources at 706-542-2222 or hrweb@uga.edu for questions or assistance.
According to the University System of Georgia, If you have tested positive for COVID-19, telework may be possible depending upon the nature of the work to be performed:
- Faculty may temporarily transition the modality of their class, with the approval of the Provost’s Office. Change in modality is subject to an end date correlated to isolation guidelines. Department chairs will make arrangements for class coverage when faculty are unable to teach due to illness.
- Staff members should consult with their supervisor to determine whether teleworking is an appropriate option under the “Occasional Teleworker” provision of UGA’s Telework Policy.