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Flexible Work Arrangements

The University of Houston-Downtown endeavors to foster a work environment that maximizes productivity and flexibility for supervisors and staff. Depending on an employee's position and their department's needs, flexible, compressed, and remote work arrangements may be possible.

Flexible Work Hours, Schedule, or Location

The Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA) policy will be rescinded effective June 1, 2025. Effective immediately, no new AWA applications for hybrid-remote work will be processed. Existing hybrid-remote arrangements must conclude on or before June 1, 2025. For more information, please refer to the announcement and accompanying FAQs. 

At the discretion of the University, employees may be allowed short- or long-term flexible work arrangements as defined in PS 02.A.01 – Policy on Work Hours, Schedule, and Location, provided they continue to serve their customers effectively and efficiently and meet established institutional and departmental goals. These arrangements may include the following options:

  1. Flexible Work Schedule (e.g., 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  2. Compressed Workweek (e.g., four 10-hour days per week)
  3. 100 % Remote Work (for approved positions only)

  1. Discuss with your supervisor which flexible work option for which you may be eligible. The list of positions that are eligible for remote work are listed on the HR webpage.
  2. Complete the Flexible Work Agreement form.
  3. Once your request is approved, you may begin  your flexible work arrangement for the period indicated.

All employees are encouraged to review UHD's Policy on Work Hours, Schedule, and Location. Those requesting and/or reviewing and approving a flexible work arrangement must review this policy.

Key contacts:

  • For questions about an application for flexible work arrangements: hrrecords@uhd.edu
  • For questions about the Policy on Work Hours, Schedule, and Location: hr@uhd.edu

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

PS 02.B.17 – Alternative Work Arrangements Policy will be rescinded effective June 1, 2025. Once that occurs, hybrid remote work will no longer be available to staff employees in accordance with that policy. Work modalities that will continue to be available after June 1 will be moved to PS 02.A.01 – Policy on Work Hours, Schedule, and Location.

UHD is reassessing its approach to staff hybrid remote work to enhance collaboration, strengthen connections, and advance a culture of innovation and creativity. Frequent in-person interactions are essential to sustaining our commitment to student engagement and service excellence. Simply put, the physical presence of staff is a key driver in advancing UHD’s mission and future success.

PS 02.B.17 – Alternative Work Arrangements Policy was applicable to staff. Likewise, its rescission only applies to staff.

The University of Houston-Downtown will continue to offer fully remote work (for a list of approved positions – see UHD website), as well as compressed work weeks, and modified work schedules under PS 02.A.01 – Policy on Work Hours, Schedule, and Location. Approval of occasional off-site work is at the discretion of the supervisor in consultation with the division Vice President.

Staff employees on a hybrid remote work schedule should coordinate with their direct supervisors to return to fully on-site work.

IT will individually email each person that has equipment with instructions on returning equipment as we get closer to June 1.

The hybrid remote parking permit discount will be discontinued at the end of FY2025 (August 31, 2025). The regular parking permit rates will apply effective September 1, 2025.

Yes, if their position is deemed eligible for remote work. A list of eligible positions can be found on the UHD website.

Start by discussing the request with your direct supervisor, then follow the steps outlined on the UHD website. Generally, any modification of the University's regular work week or schedule must be approved in advance by your supervisor.

No. The off-site work location must be in the State of Texas and reasonably close enough to the University campus so that, if necessary, the staff employee can be physically present at their regularly assigned place of employment on the same day as needed. For a full list of eligible remote positions, refer to the UHD website.

A supervisor may approve a compressed work week or modified work schedule for up to one (1) year. A notice will be sent to the employee and supervisor in advance of the expiration.

The University, including the employee’s immediate supervisor, can discontinue the employee’s participation in a compressed work week or modified work schedule at any time for any reason. Employees may also request that the compressed work week or modified work schedule be terminated by providing their immediate supervisor with written notice.

UHD partners with Deer Oaks to offer a free-to-you Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP includes a wide variety of counseling, referral, and consultation services and is intended to support you through work and life issues. For more information on the EAP or to request a service, visit Deer Oaks EAP's website, call 888-993-7650, or email eap@deeroaks.com.

As a result of this change, PS 02.A.01 - Policy on Working Hours will undergo a name change to ‘Policy on Work Hours, Schedule, and Location.’ This policy will undergo a full review and will be posted on the UHD website when approved.