For this second issue of our newsletter "Work", you will find information on UNIL’s crisis management system, the financial continuity of the institution, the adjustments planned by the Swiss National Science Foundation - SNSF for the promotion of research, the teleworking tools available and the methods of protection against malicious e-mails, which have increased in recent days.
For this second issue of our newsletter "Work", you will find information on UNIL’s crisis management system, the financial continuity of the institution, the adjustments planned by the Swiss National Science Foundation - SNSF for the promotion of research, the teleworking tools available and the methods of protection against malicious e-mails, which have increased in recent days.
Crisis management COVID-19 at UNIL
A team made up of members of our Rectorate and heads of services is responsible for managing the crisis, maintaining institutional continuity and anticipating the conditions for a return to normalcy on the day when it occurs.
It has been active for several weeks now, and its initial operational objectives were to create the system that now makes it possible to provide courses and distance learning on a large scale thanks to the strengthening of IT and teaching support services.
The absolute priority at this stage remains to guarantee the continuation of teaching in the best possible conditions for students, while providing for the modalities of validation of the current semester and allowing for the minimum functioning of a university whose campus is now closed.
The unit set up by the Rectorate meets daily and is currently working on four major projects: teaching, institutional continuity, logistics and campus, and communication.
At its request, all the Faculties and services have drawn up a continuity plan that identifies the services, skills and resources needed to guarantee essential processes relating, in addition to teaching, to the security of goods and persons, the operation of infrastructures, finance and human resources.
Management will keep you regularly informed of the measures that will be taken to deal with the unprecedented situation our institution is going through via this newsletter and the Coronavirus website.
Financial Continuity
Supplier invoices
UNIL makes every effort to pay suppliers' invoices on time so as not to exacerbate the financial difficulties that many of them may face. A new procedure with a dematerialization of the validations has been set up and communicated to the Faculties and departments.
Cancellation of trips
UNIL covers the costs related to activities or travel if they are not reimbursed to the participants by third parties (organizer, airline, hotel, etc.) or when the travel insurance does not cover them.
Reimbursement of expenses
UNIL treats all of its financial commitments in order of priority by ensuring first of all the remuneration of its employees and the process of its suppliers' invoices. Other commitments such as expense reports or claims will be dealt with gradually and according to the resources available).
Employees who would have had significant expenses with their own money (amount exceeding CHF 1'000) can request an advance payment by sending a motivated request through the hierarchical channel.
Your contacts in the Finance Department
- If you have any questions: faqservicefinancier@unil.ch
- For critical emergencies: Nathalie Ferland, Department Head, nathalie.ferland@unil.ch
SNSF communication to researchers
The Swiss National Science Foundation yesterday published important information for recipients of research grants and subsidies, as well as for those who administer them.
In order to provide the best possible support to scientists, the SNSF is prepared to be flexible with regard to the deadlines and extensions of the grants. However, it is up to the researchers to undertake the actions described by the SNSF on its website).
With regard to the funding of new projects, the SNSF is extending the deadline for the submission of applications from 1 April to 8 April 2020.
Your contact for further information: véronique.longchamp@unil.ch
Teleworking tools
The UNIL network is accessible from your home thanks to the installation of a VPN on your computer. The WebEx tool allows it to carry out videoconferences with two or more people. There are also solutions to collaborate with several people on documents or to send large files. All the resources and documentation necessary for teleworking are available at www.unil.ch/ci/teletravail.
Phishing
Many people have been receiving malicious emails over the past few days, stating that "your incoming emails have been blocked". If you receive such an email, DO NOT CLICK on the links it contains and report it to helpdesk@unil.ch. If in doubt, you can also contact this support team. As a reminder, the IT department never blocks emails. Anti-spam tools and information on how to avoid phishing are available here. The IT Centre also produces detailed articles on this topic at https://wp.unil.ch/cinn/?s=phishing.
Find all the newsletters and general info on https://www.unil.ch/coronavirus/en/home.html