College of Arts and Sciences Telecommuting Process

SUNY released the Telecommuting Policy on August 2, 2021. The policy will support telecommuting and flexible work, where it is reasonable to do so, based on the University’s mission, operational and program needs. Employees in the College of Arts and Sciences should review the process and timelines and discuss the policy with their supervisors prior to requesting telecommuting under the pilot program.

SUNY Telecommuting Policy and FAQs
Flexible Work Program application

Key Points

  • The SUNY-wide Telecommuting Policy is a pilot program. The policy has been officially extended by the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) through June 30, 2025.
  • Any employee approved for telecommuting cannot solely telecommute; any approved telecommuting is limited to a maximum of 50% of obligation per pay period.
  • Employees must submit their request to their supervisor.
  • Telecommuting arrangements must ensure operational needs are met and any approval is at the discretion of management/supervisor.
  • Submission process and required approvals include:
    • Step 1: Employee completes a request and submits the PDF supplied from Human Resources to their immediate supervisor.
    • Step 2: Immediate Supervisor reviews and submits to department/program chair/director
    • Step 3: Department/Program Chair/Director packages all submissions and sends to sector administrative director (academic departments) or Kate Ferguson (for all non-departmental staff).  
    • Step 4: The Dean’s Office will review and forward to university human resources
    • Step 5: University Human Resources reviews and provides formal approval
  • Any employee who is approved under this policy will be required to submit a Telecommuting Program Biweekly Progress Report to their immediate supervisor.
  • To apply for telecommuting under this policy, employees must complete the Flexible Work Program application and submit their request to their supervisor.

For Supervisors and Chairs

  • Interested employees should discuss telecommuting possibilities with supervisors before completing a telecommuting request form.
  • In consultation with Sector Associate Deans and Sector Administrative Directors, Chairs must ensure that the department/program has appropriate on-campus staffing Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.  
  • Supervisors should refer to the SUNY Telecommuting Policy for guidelines to consider when evaluating requests.
  • Submit all completed requests, whether approved or denied, as a package to your Sector Administrative Director (academic departments) or Kate Ferguson (other administrative areas).

Reminders

  • This is solely for the SUNY Telecommuting pilot program and not for FMLA or other medical related accommodations.
  • Approved arrangements can be modified, suspended or cancelled at any time.
  • This policy applies to all full time and part time staff, bargaining units and funding sources, however a faculty member typically already has flexibility built into their work schedule so it is primarily intended for staff.
  • This policy does not apply to any student employees (TA/GA/RAs, etc.).

If you have additional questions, please visit the UB HR webpage for the most updated information, discuss your concerns with your supervisor, or contact Kate Ferguson at kgfergus@buffalo.edu.