Ohio University’s Policy 40.063 went into effect, extending a policy allowing flexible work schedules, hours and work locations for administrators and “classified employees,” on Feb. 26, 2025, and was extended almost a year later.
“Ohio University acknowledges that there are growing demands on staff recruitment and retention, as well as the growing demands on university space and energy requirements,” Policy 40.063 said. “Additionally, the university recognizes that, as a public entity, it is charged with using resources in the most efficient and effective manner.”
In a LinkedIn post made by Nerissa Young, an associate professor of instruction of journalism, about the extension, she wondered how many offices in Cutler Hall were not being used. She questioned the fairness of OU's actions toward Tom Hayes, an associate professor in the School of Film, being removed from one of his in-person courses, the art of editing, according to a previous report from The Post.
“The university said he didn't request an alternate work situation,” Young said in the LinkedIn post. “That's kind of hard to do when one is being detained by the military. Does this make sense?”
Hayes said his class was listed as an in-person class but was moved to be remote for the few weeks he was in Gaza. During COVID-19, Hayes created a series of video presentations for the class due to the obstacles live-video calling presented. Since then, his art of editing classes have had access to the videos.
Hayes said the class would not have happened during COVID-19 if school had not gone remote, and the university affirmed during this that remote learning was actually education.
“I certainly support flexibility,” Hayes said. “I think academic freedom, what works in a specific course is what we're in and the only person who has is legitimate in terms of defining what works is the instructor in that class.”
The policy refers to it applying to “classified employees.” According to an email written by Mary Elizabeth Miles, the vice president for human resources, “classified employees” are non-administrative staff and those covered by a collective bargaining agreement, where applicable.
“I always thought classified employees was staff,” Hayes said. “I don't know how it would not apply to instructors and professors because it's about teaching … I've been here for a long time, and generally, we use the term faculty for faculty. If it's not for faculty, then it doesn't have any bearing whatsoever on instruction.”
Miles said the extension was made last year to allow people to continue to use the policy.
“The purpose is to balance employee flexibility with the needs of the institution, including recruitment, retention, space use and reliable service to the campus community,” Miles said in an email. “Those arrangements may be reconsidered when the department needs change, when coverage is no longer sufficient or when the arrangement no longer supports the duties of the role.”
Tia Jameson, the administrative senate chair and assistant athletic director for student-athlete development and inclusion, said she thinks it is a great opportunity to give people the ability to work in flexible spaces and hours, especially because she previously was in a situation where she needed them.
“I had a family situation, and I had to be a caretaker,” Jameson said. “I was home with my grandmother and taking calls every Friday, and the ability to be able to take the time to be with my grandmother and not knowing that she was going to eventually pass away much sooner than I thought that was a blessing to me.”
Jameson said she thinks this type of policy is directed toward people who do not need to be in the office every day or in front of students. For example, some positions could include someone looking at transcripts or finance.
Since COVID-19, the university has been looking for employee candidates in different states, and some people work from different states, Jameson said.
“I think that that was a huge component of people realizing that there is a need for people to operate from home,” Jameson said. “Also, (it goes) back to energy efficiency. I think that helps with our sustainability, especially with the university trying to look at some ways to remediate some of our budget issues. I think it just also adds to it as a benefit.”
Hayes said he thinks the policy is courageous, and it is the university’s way of saying they are going to trust instructors to know the best mode of teaching.
“I think this is a very positive thing,” Hayes said. “(It's a) very positive policy move on their part, so I applaud it. I just wish that they had implemented it at the beginning of last semester.”
