Montana State University Ends Remote Work
Montana State University is reportedly ending remote work for its employees.
While their was no official announcement, remote employees where informed that their remote and hybrid work arrangements would end on July 1, 2025.
According to the University, only 7% of its staff works remotely. However, many of those employees were upset and concerned about the RTO mandate.
The Director of MSU News Service, Michael Becker, told local news outlet MTN News that “The default work arrangement expected by the MUS for all employees is on campus and in person.”
He went on to say, “Supervisors have met with employees to give them ample time to make the necessary adjustments for their return to work, effective July 1. While the university is moving away from renewing or accepting new requests for remote work, it will continue to honor agreements that still exist, in accordance with the terms of those agreements, even if those agreements expire after July 1.”
Remote Work Policy
The University transitioned to remote work in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the majority of employees were told to return to the office by July 2021.
The Montana University System Board of Regents does have a policy in place regarding remote work arrangements. Part of the remote work policy states:
“Any Remote Work Arrangement (RWA), whether temporary or in place for an extended period, must advance the university’s mission and shall not reduce or impede the quality of instruction or service provided to students, co-workers, or members of the university community. Working remotely is not a right and not every position is eligible for an RWA. It is an option extended at management discretion, and, if approved by an authorized supervisor, is subject to individualized conditions that may be amended or revoked at any time without advance notice.”
“An employee may submit a written request for reconsideration of a supervisor’s decision on remote work to the next-higher level of supervisor, who shall be the final level of review. The administration of this policy must comply with all other applicable Board of Regents policies and pertinent state and federal employment statutes.”
