Alternate operations & telecommuting
The School of Medicine’s “alternate operations” policy, which enabled many employees to telecommute, remains in effect until further notice.
Read alternate operations and telecommuting policy »
COVID-19 exposure or illness policies
Find out what to do if you or an employee you supervisor has been exposed or has tested positive.
Masking, distancing & events
University policies regarding masking, social distancing and events are covered in the Campus Operations section.
Sick time and Leave of Absence policy
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19 and/or is quarantined and cannot work remotely, the employee should use regular sick time. For more information, please read WashU’s COVID Pay Guidelines.
If an employee is absent from work for more than three days in a row due to illness or injury (including COVID-19 illness), the employee should request a medical leave, such as FMLA. To request a leave of absence, an employee must notify their supervisor and contact Unum (1-866-371-5723) to begin the process. Please reference the Leave of Absence Policy for additional information.
Newly hired employees within their six-month orientation period are eligible to use sick time accumulated or can be advanced time off up to the maximum allowance.
Travel policy
Policies for domestic and international travel have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vacation time
Vacation time must still be formally approved by your chair, division chief, program director or supervisor and is subject to limitations based on staffing needs. Vacation time was initially restricted in March 2020, but that restriction was lifted May 7, 2020.
Vaccination requirement
All university faculty, staff and trainees must be fully vaccinated by August 30 (or for students, by the start of your fall term) and provide proof of vaccination to the university.
Visitor policy
- Visitors may return to campus in non-clinical spaces.
- Visitors may not return to clinical spaces unless they are part of a formal program or there is a pre-existing relationship with a Memorandum of Understanding / Program-Level Agreement.