Building a Student Community
In creating a student inclusive experience, the President’s Council has established a Modern Workplace@BC initiative. Modern Workplace@BC is a systematic way of working to provide student services that enhance our students’ academic experiences while creating a collaborative work environment.
The Modern Workplace@BC committee was established to ensure that all viewpoints of faculty, staff and students are addressed to create the best environment for student success. Baker College ensures students receive a quality education that will improve their future both personally and professionally by providing student services that enhance our students’ academic experiences.
Phase 1: Developing Modern Workplace@BC
Recognizing students have different preferences and needs, means providing both in-person experiences and services along with virtual assistance and service options. It was determined by the committee that Phase 1 that returning to on-campus work schedules are needed.
Beginning on January 2, 2023, Baker College will transition all colleagues to the Modern Workplace@BC model. While each department and division will determine the specifics for each colleague, in-person work in some fashion will kick off for all full-time employees.
During Phase 1, the Differentiated Work Arrangement Application Form located on MyBaker must be completed by all employees by December 9, 2022.
Core determining factors for Modern Workplace@BC revolve around the following:
Build a robust, flexible, interactive, and collaborative student-focused environment where employees maintain student-facing and virtual experiences that support our mission, vision, and values.
The business rationale for flexible work supports BC’s values (enhancing the student experience, expanding services, increasing student enrollment, creating greater community involvement, improving colleague engagement, and supporting employee recruitment and retention).
While long-term remote work suits only certain jobs, BC’s workplace culture will embrace intermittent flexibility that helps employees meet day-to-day student and community needs while also embracing flexibility for all.
BC may designate on-campus priority days (common work days) where most employees are expected to work from their home campus location.
Flexible work practices will provide opportunities to improve space utilization.
The President’s Council will refine policies, principles, guidelines, and assessment methods to support flexible work consistent with the needs of the institution, as necessary. The Modern Workplace committee members include:
Modern Workplace Committee Leads:
- Aaron Maike
- Dana Clark
- Joanna Palmer
- Scott Wood
Modern Workplace Committee Members:
Amie Losee
Annette Horton
Bradley Romans
Chuck Gurden
Eileen Pecoraro
Jacqui Spicer
Kenneth Boyer
Lesley Morgan
Linda Katrinic
Michael Moore
Michelle Reiter-Miller
Na Li
Pete Karsten
Randy Hill
Sherri Donovan
Thomas Recinella
Tanya Lewis
Voula Erfourth
Modern Workplace@BC Defined
Modern Workplace@BC encompasses a variety of differentiated work options compatible with certain job functions to help all employees meet day-to-day business needs, as well as provide flexible work arrangements where possible.
Available Work Arrangements
Designated and consistent work hours that differ from the standard start and stop times for employing units. Work may be performed on or off campus. Employees may spend a portion of their week at an off-campus location and may not have personally assigned dedicated on-campus workstations.
Job functions that can be effectively performed entirely off campus. Remote employees will not have personally assigned on-campus workstations.
Job functions performed in a condensed work week.
For more information about Work Arrangements, visit MyBaker.
The Differentiated Work Arrangement
BC’s campus experience will continue to shape the direction for remote work, hybrid work, and other flexible work practices. Workplace culture must support both the individual and the unit with a focus on engagement, inclusivity, and well-being. All employees are required to complete their Differentiated Work Arrangement Application located in MyBaker (available November 28).
First and foremost, flexible work schedules are modified standard work hours. Most jobs at BC require on-campus work. Available work arrangements must align with job functions and business needs.
Colleges and administrative units shall apply flexible work practices consistently.
Process for Establishing A Differentiated Work Arrangement
Differentiated work arrangements start with a conversation with one’s supervisor. An employee wishing to request a differentiated work schedule must work with their direct supervisor to determine eligibility. BC has established a Differentiated Work process.
Review Questions for Differentiated Work Arrangements
Is your position student facing?
- Is the position student-facing? Yes or No.
- Does the position provide service to student-facing colleagues? Yes or No.
- Will the position decrease on-campus student service or will allowing flexibility create a service gap on campus? Yes or No.
View the full process qualifiers and application, visit MyBaker.
Community Involvement
Baker College recognizes and encourages employees to actively engage in the community and believes that this engagement can strengthen BC’s presence within our local community. Additionally, fostering and encouraging community engagement shines a positive light on the generosity of BC faculty, staff, and their departments, it also contributes to overall workplace satisfaction while additionally enhancing the BC brand. Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in College sponsored community engagement activities or volunteer activities. The College will offer work schedule flexibility and paid leave opportunities for specific community engagement activities.
Volunteer Opportunities
As volunteer opportunities arise, employees are expected to communicate with their supervisor regarding their interest in participating when the volunteer activity conflicts with their normally scheduled work hours. Supervisors are encouraged to utilize reasonable discretion in balancing operational needs against employee participation in these engagement activities. Baker College strives to uphold the mission, core values, and culture of the institution.
Modern Workplace@Baker Conclusion
Creating a positive work experience is always part of the differentiated work arrangement conversation. Flexible work is a give-and-take scenario where employers and employees must collaborate to determine the best possible outcome for business needs coupled with a work/life balance. BC believes in differentiated work arrangements for colleagues and explicitly supports a work/life balance for everyone at the College. This statement and the BC differentiated work policy are meant to support open dialogue between supervisors and employees that lead to the best work arrangement for BC and employees.