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Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA)

The University of Memphis is a student-centered service-oriented institution where supporting students is at the forefront of its mission.  The University believes that students are better served in person and having employees present on campus increases the service and overall educational experience that students deserve. The University also believes that under certain circumstances, employees may be allowed individual flexibility with an alternative work arrangement provided the needs of the department, the University and the students are successfully achieved. 

For detailed information regarding Alternative Work Arrangements, please refer to University policy HR5061-Alternative Work Arrangements.

The below Frequently Asked Questions also offer additional detailed information regarding AWAs.

FAQs

Alternative work arrangements must first be discussed with your supervisor. The immediate supervisor will approve or deny the request based upon staffing needs, the employee’s job duties, the employee’s overall performance and whether the request is in the best interest of the department and the University.

If approved by the immediate supervisor, the Dean or the VP with overall responsibility for the unit or division must approve or deny the request and submit approved requests to Human Resources for final approval.

Alternative Work Arrangements may be suspended or cancelled at any time.

Faculty members should continue to work directly with their Department Chair, as applicable, and Dean on specific schedules and expectations. Refer to policy AA3008-Faculty Availability.

Yes, beginning January 2, 2025, employees previously on an approved AWA, must complete a new request form and follow the new approval process.

Flextime and/or Telecommuting is not available to all employees. The department operational needs and the nature of each position will determine where an AWA is an option for each individual employee.

Yes. Every employee that works outside the standard work schedule (see policy link) is required to have a fully-approved AWA on file with Human Resources.

No. Employees with disabilities, including graduate assistants and student workers, can request workplace accommodations by completing the UofM ADA (or PWFA) Accommodation Request Form.

No, Flextime and/or Telecommuting is not a substitute for child or other dependent care. Employees must make or maintain childcare, adult care, or similar personal arrangements to allow them to focus on work assignments in their designated workspace during their established work hours.

Please contact your supervisor to discuss an AWA.

A university is like a vibrant small city. It takes all of us to serve our students and that means we also support those who do interact directly with students.

Our mission is to produce well-rounded, successful graduates and cutting-edge research for the enrichment of our ever-changing society.

To successfully realize our mission, we have to be present. We must show up physically and emotionally to support our students on their journeys.

Alternative work arrangements must first be discussed with your supervisor and have an Alternative Work Arrangement Request Form submitted. The immediate supervisor must approve or deny the request based upon staffing needs, the employee’s job duties, the employee’s overall performance and whether the request is in the best interest of the department and the University.

If approved by the immediate supervisor, the Dean or the VP with overall responsibility for the unit or division must approve or deny the request and submit approved requests to Human Resources for final approval. The agreement will be logged and tracked by Human Resources for reporting purposes.

Flextime and/or Telecommuting arrangements may be suspended or cancelled at any time. Supervisors are responsible for the continued successful operations of the department and supervision of employees on any type of alternative work arrangement.

A new AWA must be completed and the new approval process must be followed every time there is a change in your reporting structure.

The University believes that under certain circumstances, employees may be allowed temporary individual flexibility. For "one-off" changes, a form will not be required; however, a consistent long-term change to the employee’s start time or location will require a form to be completed and approved.

 

For additional information contact the Department of Human Resources at hrservicecenter@memphis.edu or 901-678-3573. 

Forms