I am a postdoctoral scholar on a J-1 visa. Will there be a change to my visa status?
No. For postdoctoral scholars on J-1 visas, the International Center (internationalcenter@tufts.edu, https://icenter.tufts.edu) has indicated that no change to visa status will take place since work hours and duties will not be curtailed.
Are the libraries open?
Tufts libraries continue to provide resources and remote assistance for research and teaching, including consultations, workshops, and the addition of digital materials to our collections. Most Tufts Library spaces are still closed to the public. We have resumed some services that require staff to be on site, such as Scan & Deliver, and contactless borrowing of physical materials. Please visit the Tisch Library website to find library-specific information and contacts.
Please continue to hold on to any library materials in your possession. All due dates are extended to December, and all fines and late fees generated during the COVID-19 pandemic will be waived. If you must return materials for any reason, please use the 24-hour book return near the entrance of Tisch Library.
I am interested in doing COVID-19 research. Do I need approval to initiate such research?
Yes. To ensure the needed resources are available and the appropriate safety measures are in place, all COVID-19 research projects conducted by Tufts researchers, regardless of project type and funding source, must be approved by the Integrative Safety Committee. To submit your COVID-19 research project for review, complete the form found here. The Integrative Safety Committee meets on a weekly basis to review projects.
You can also join the COVID-19 Research Group which meets virtually. This groups includes researchers from Tufts and Tufts Medical Center. For more information, please contact covid19research@tufts.edu.
I am interested in doing COVID-19 research. Are there funding opportunities for this type of work?
Yes. Sponsor agencies continuously release funding opportunities for COVID-19 research. A summary of what is currently available can be found here.
I am a student whose research has been impacted by the suspension of on-campus research activities and/or face-to-face human subject research activities. What if this affects my ability to complete educational requirements?
Please contact your faculty advisor and/or academic advisor with any questions or concerns about educational requirements for your course or degree.
In addition, the OVPR has assembled a number of tools and other resources to help you meet your goals while working remotely. Please contact GPS@tufts.edu to schedule a consultation on how to utilize our Goal Progression Support (GPS) programming.
I am a postdoctoral scholar. Will I continue to be paid if I am working from home?
Yes. At this time all staff working at home will continue to be paid consistent with applicable policies, procedures, and performance requirements. If you need to take time away from your work while you are working from home because you are ill, use your sick time. If you need to take away from your work while working from home to care for a child who is home due to a school or day care closure, or to care for a dependent, use your family sick time.
If you do not have any sick time available, or any other paid time off to continue your pay status, please discuss your situation with your supervisor or your human resources business partner. The university will advance sick time for up to 20 days so you may stay home during a COVID-19 illness, during an illness resulting from COVID-19 or to care for a dependent during this time.
In addition, the OVPR has assembled a number of tools and other resources to help you meet your goals while working remotely. Please contact GPS@tufts.edu to schedule a consultation on how to utilize our Goal Progression Support (GPS) programming.
What are some examples of research activities that can I do while working from home?
For a full guide to remote resources and assistance, please see the OVPR’s Goal Progression Support (GPS) programming or contact GPS@tufts.edu to schedule a consultation.
What is the status of campus research? Will I be able to participate in research activities in the fall?
Following state and university guidance, research is going through a phased ramp up. Phase 2 of research ramp up (minimal on-campus research operations) began on June 8. On August 1, Phase 2 of research ramp up was expanded to include face-to-face human subjects research where there is a lower risk of COVID-19 exposure upon approval from the investigator's respective Research/School Dean or Designate. Please click here for more information.
These FAQs are subject to change. Please check back here for the latest guidance. If you do not find the information you are looking for, please send an email to COVID19@tufts.edu.