UPDATE: Further details about the plan, how to apply, and frequently asked questions are available on the Ball State COVID-19 website.

The Ball State Board of Trustees has approved a new temporary leave plan for all employees unable to work because of COVID-19 related reasons. President Mearns announced the new Extraordinary Temporary Paid Leave Plan in an email to employees on March 27, 2020.

“Our overarching goal is simple.  During this unprecedented public health crisis, we want to provide you with some reassurance that this pandemic will not cause you to suffer any additional financial stress.

Specifically, the trustees unanimously voted to approve our proposal for an Extraordinary Temporary Paid Leave Plan.  Under this plan, if an employee is unable to work because of a COVID-19 related reason, the employee will receive regular full pay through the remainder of this fiscal year, which is June 30, 2020, or through the end of the employees regular employment period, whichever comes first. In order to receive this additional paid leave, an employee will not have to use any pre-existing paid leave.“

In addition, the plan the Board approved also creates a donated paid leave “bank.” If necessary after June 30, 2020, an employee will be able to draw paid leave from this bank to cover COVID-19 related absences.

More details about the plan, including answers to many questions about the plan and how to apply, will be announced next week and new information will be added to the university’s COVID-19 website.