COVID-19 Employee Resources
Unemployment Fraud - Report from Erika Sanderson
WA Employment Security Department (ESD) is investigating a widespread campaign to commit unemployment fraud by filing false claims using someone else's personal identification, including social security numbers. Many industries across Washington state have been impacted, including Walla Walla University. Please visit our Unemployment Fraud page for information on how to protect yourself from it and on steps to dispute it, if you have been impacted.
Interim Infectious Disease Policy for Employees
The purpose of this interim infectious disease policy (COVID-19 Policy for Employees) is to help keep our faculty, staff, and students healthy and to protect the university and the surrounding community. Please review the policy as part of the steps taken by the University to address the pandemic and to provide a safe work environment.
Communicable Disease Accommodation Request
If you are experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus we encourage you to fill out a form to request accommodation. To see if you qualify for the Communicable Disease Accommodation policy, view the flow chart.
COVID-19 Financial Exigency Interim Policy
This interim policy was developed in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the severe economic uncertainty faced by WWU. This policy delineates procedures and expands on existing policy within the governance handbook regarding the implementation of a declaration of financial exigency.
Family First Coronavirus Response Act Info (FFCRA)
Unless further guidance appears, at this time Walla Walla University and it's employees do not fall under this benefit category. If this situation changes, employees will be notified.
Travel
- Employee Travel Reporting Form
- WWU COVID-19 Travel Advisory
- Is It Safe to Travel Now? It Depends. Article by National Geographic
Remote Work
- Ergonomic Tips When You're Working From Home*
- Eye Strain Resources to Cope with Extended Screen Time
- FACE COVID Infographic* — "How to respond effectively to the COVID crisis"
- Psychologists' Advice for Newly Remote Workers, article by the American Psychological Association
- Tips for the Remote Worker* by Emily Ewen, writer and editor for Life Time
Financial Resources
Retirement Plan CARES Act Changes
- Until Dec. 31, 2020, there will not be a 10% early withdrawal penalty for coronavirus-related distributions of $100,000 or less.
- Until Sept 23, 2020, participants may take a coronavirus-related loan, a maximum of 100% of the present value of the participant's vested 403(b) plan account or a maximum of $100,000, whichever is less.
- To learn more about these retirement options, visit Empower Retirement or call: 1-855-756-473
NEW WWU Employee Benevolence Fund
Several employees have recently inquired if they may donate toward a fund to support fellow employees who are struggling financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In honor of these requests, an Employee Benevolence Fund (EBF) has been established for any current or recently released employee in critical financial need.
To learn about the NEW WWU Employee Benevolence Fund (EBF) and to see if you are eligible, read the EBF policy here.
Employees may set up tax-exempt donations through payroll deduction by emailing the biweekly fixed amount to: Tammy.McMann@wallawalla.edu
Tax-exempt donations can also be made by visiting: wallawalla.edu/donate, under Walla Walla University Fund, select "Other Fund" and describing your donation as "Benevolence Fund."
If you are in need of critical financial need, you may apply for assistance from the EBF here.
Emergency Cash
Beginning April 17, the WA State Department of Social and Health Services will be providing emergency cash assistance to qualifying low-income WA residents. Read the official notice here and download the Disaster Cash Assistance Program FAQ for instructions on how to apply and review the eligibility requirements. To apply for disaster cash assistance or other assistance, visit Washington Connection.org. Please note: after completing your online application, you must call their Customer Services at 877-501-223 for a required interview.
Unemployment Benefits
Learn more about WA State Unemployment Benefits, the eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
For Oregon residents, learn more about unemployment benefits here.
For Montana residents, learn more about unemployment benefits here.
A comprehensive listing of financial resources during COVID-19, are available here.
Health Resources
With Teladoc you can see a healthcare provider without having to go to a doctor's office or urgent care. (Registering an account before you need to utilize Teladoc services are highly recommended in order to avoid possible delays and/or troubleshoot technical issues.) Get the instructions for using Teladoc here.
The CARES Act and What It Means For Your Benefits (expanding HSA/FSA/HRA eligible purchases)
- FSA carryover amounts for a play year have increased from $500 to $550, effective for remaining 2020 funds.
Mental Health
- Aetna resources
- Aetna AbleTo — an 8-week behavioral health program with one-on-one counseling and coaching by video or phone.
- Aetna MindCheck*, register and log in to use this simple tool to get a quick read on your emotional health and how you can improve it.
- Coronavirus Fears: Ways to Keep CALM Webinar,* by Resources of Living
- LearnToLive provides free mental health videos and articles centered on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
- Mindful Living for Adults, and Mindful Living for Kids Webinars, by Resources of Living
- Ways to Relieve Stress During COVID-19 Webinar, by Resources of Living
- Employee Assistance Program (3 FREE counseling sessions - can be done virtually!)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is a free, nationwide peer-support service that offers free mental health education, a video resource library, online discussion groups, and a HelpLine staffed with trained volunteers willing to listen, provide resources and support. A local NAMI chapter is also available: https://www.namiwallawalla.org/
- Stress and Coping Resources from the CDC during COVID-19
- Telepsychiatry makes it easier than ever to access behavior health services. Use you webcam or smart device to meet a counselor at your convenience.
- Call 866-991-2103 (Telepsychiatry sessions will cost the same as a face-to-face office visit.)
*This resource is eligible for wellness credits through FitThumb