Faculty Residency Policy Guidelines

Overview

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Faculty Residency Policy established in 2008 affirms that UNL is a community of scholars where in-person engagement is essential to student learning, faculty collaboration, and institutional success. The policy states:

“As members of the UNL community of scholars, therefore, we expect faculty to be present on campus in order to hold open office hours, to teach and advise students, to be engaged with their colleagues, and to be active participants in the activities of their departments, their college and the campus.” 

These guidelines clarify expectations for on-campus presence across all areas of faculty responsibilities, including teaching, research/creative activities, service, extension, outreach, clinical, and administration. 

Guiding Principles

During their contract period (9- or 12-month appointment, see contracted working days for 9-month appointments), faculty members are expected to be available on campus to:

• Teach and advise students 
• Engage in research and scholarly activities
• Contribute to Nebraska Extension and/or engagement with the broader Nebraska community
• Participate in service at the department, college, and university levels
• Fulfill administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Furthermore, as a community of scholars, we value faculty presence as essential to:

• Cultivating strong relationships with students through advising and teaching
• Fostering an intellectually engaged, collaborative academic environment within and across units
• Supporting a culture of mentoring and professional development 
• Supporting engaged service and outreach that strengthens the community within and beyond the university, benefiting the state of Nebraska. 

Clarifications

• Contract Dates and Summer Sessions: Faculty are not required to be on campus outside of contracted working days. Units should work with faculty to establish reasonable communication expectations during the off-contract period, respecting faculty time away from university duties. For faculty on academic year (9-month) contracts who receive summer salary, it is generally expected that those duties are performed on campus; however, expectations should be communicated by the unit leader.
• Faculty with an Approved Alternative Work Site (Remote Position)
  • Long-term Remote Position (one year or more): Faculty hired into approved, fully remote positions based on access to research equipment, field sites, etc. are not expected to maintain a physical presence on campus. Any expectations regarding on-campus activities are described in their contract/letter of offer. New hire paperwork will include information about personal tax liabilities due to different state tax laws. 
  • Short-term Remote Position (at most one year, temporary): The terms and conditions of this very limited situation must be negotiated with, and approved in writing by, chairs and deans. Faculty who have an approved alternative work site will have written agreements with clear start and end dates, with the option for review and renewal. Arrangements can be cancelled with 30 days’ notice. Contact the Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs for more information.
• Faculty with Extension Appointments
  • Officed on-campus: As stated in the Faculty Residency Policy, exceptions to on-campus expectations which may be appropriate to fulfill other University missions including Extension, must be negotiated with, and approved in writing by, chairs and deans. In such cases, expectations for both on-campus and off-campus presence should be clearly defined in their contract and/or with their supervisor.
  • Officed off-campus (outside of Lincoln): Nebraska Extension has faculty office/work locations throughout the state. In such cases, expectations for office/work location presence are defined in their contracts and/or with their supervisor. 
• Leaves of Absence: Approved leaves (personal, medical, or professional) should follow the university’s leave of absence policy.
• Disability Accommodations: Approved accommodations that include remote work are documented. Requests for ADA/504 accommodations must be made through Faculty/Staff Disability Services.
• Work-Related Travel: All university employees traveling for approved university business—whether the travel is paid for or reimbursed by the university—are subject to the university’s  Travel Policy and Duty of Care.
• Other Absences: Faculty should notify their unit leader of any absences that affect their on-campus availability. Units are encouraged to establish clear approval processes for both planned and unplanned absences that align with any existing college processes.