Dear Colleagues,
To support thoughtful and comprehensive planning across the University, we are extending the deadline for submission of Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) applications through February 28, 2026. This extension will provide departments with the necessary time for intentional discussions and careful consideration of unit needs, operational goals, and institutional priorities.
Before beginning the Department Needs Assessment process, department heads are expected to ensure that their strategies for flexible work are fully informed by and aligned with divisional and university priorities. This requires proactive engagement with appropriate leadership, including deans, vice chancellors, chancellors, vice presidents, and other senior leaders. These conversations establish the strategic context within which departmental planning must occur to maintain consistency and support mission‑critical objectives.
As outlined in the FlexWork@RU guidelines, all proposed flexible work arrangements must be grounded in a formal Department Needs Assessment, which evaluates operational requirements, service expectations, and the nature of the work being performed. The guidelines emphasize that flexible work options vary by role, worksite, and service population, and therefore must be aligned with departmental business needs as well as the University’s broader Flexible Work Arrangements policy.
Department heads also play a crucial role in reviewing job responsibilities, assessing team dynamics, and engaging in deliberate, transparent conversations with their teams to develop informed and equitable plans. These conversations must occur after consulting with divisional leadership to ensure departmental strategies uphold both local and institutional priorities.
If you have not already done so, in the coming weeks, please ensure that:
- You have connected with your respective divisional leaders (i.e., deans, vice chancellors, chancellors, vice presidents, and other senior leadership) to understand strategic direction and expectations, and that your departmental FWA strategies are aligned with these priorities before completing the Department Needs Assessment,
- You share your plans openly and engage teams in thoughtful dialogue; and
- All final FWA decisions support operational excellence, service quality, and Rutgers’ mission.
Thank you for your leadership and collaboration as we continue to support a flexible, effective, and mission‑aligned workplace.
Sincerely,
Vivian Fernández
Senior Vice President for Human Resources