EXPANSION FOR ELECTION POLL WORKERS AND BOARD OF ELECTIONS VOLUNTEERING

To support County Boards of Election across North Carolina in their work to provide full access to all voters, the Office of State Human Resources has authorized a one-time variance to Community Service Leave to allow up to three days (24 hours, or pro-rated for part-time employees) of paid leave for state employees to volunteer as election workers. This 24 hours is part of the 80 allowable hours of Expanded Community Service Leave (see below) currently available to state employees who volunteer with nonprofits that provide direct services to constituents experiencing COVID-19 impacts.

EXPSANSION OF ALLOWABLE HOURS

The UNC System has received approval to provide a temporary expansion of community service leave. Specifically, the expansion applies to employees who may be volunteering with service organizations in support of COVID-19 activities. With supervisory approval, employees have the opportunity to receive up to 80 hours (in addition to the standard 24 hours of annual CSL) of paid leave for volunteering at a nonprofit that serves individuals impacted by the pandemic. Examples of volunteer activities through a qualifying organization include delivering meals, sorting food donations, supporting non-profit organizations working with vulnerable populations, and conducting wellness checks by calling or texting from your home.

EXPANSION OF MENTORING/TUTORING PROVISION TO COVER VIRTUAL or IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION

As public and private schools across North Carolina reopen with virtual or partially in-person instruction, the UNC System recognizes the concerns of university employees with school-age children regarding child care needs. To help meet these needs, the Community Service Leave (CSL) provision for tutoring and mentoring support has been temporarily expanded to include virtual or partial in-person academic settings. Effective Monday, August 17 through December 31, 2020, and with supervisor approval, employees may utilize this expansion for up to 36 hours of paid leave for tutoring and mentoring a student in a public or non-public school. Tutoring/mentoring shall be in a formal standardized program or a non-conventional tutoring/mentoring arrangement to include plans and activities in the virtual academic setting. CSL leave for this purpose is available in lieu of the regular CSL. Hours used during a work week may vary, not to exceed 36 hours between August 17 thru December 31.

Please remember that while these revisions offer a great opportunity to recognize your service to our community, WCU continues to want you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and be compliant with current state and county guidelines.

More information may be found at: https://www.nc.gov/agencies/volunteer/disaster-assistance-covid-19

Questions regarding Community Service Leave may be directed to Anne Banks at 227-2794 or ambanks@email.wcu.edu.