University of Nebraska leaders are working to develop a process through which students, faculty, and staff can volunteer as individuals or groups to assist with flood recovery efforts. While there is a desire to help immediately, the campus community has been asked to be patient as state and community officials have stressed that flood recovery is going to be a multi-year process with a need for volunteers throughout. Details on the volunteer process will be announced at a later date.
Leaders from each of the University of Nebraska campuses outlined new programs, including human resources policies that offer options to support flood recovery efforts. The new HR policies include a five-day (40 hour) civil leave allowance through which faculty and staff can receive up to 40 hours of time off to volunteer for flood recovery efforts. The civil leave option will be available until further notice from the NU president's office.
The university has also created a catastrophic leave program that allows employees to receive up to two weeks (80 hours) of time off if they or an immediate family member have been impacted by flooding. This will allow employees who have exhausted vacation time to continue to attend to personal matters. Faculty and staff can also donate to the catastrophic leave "bank," which will provide extra support to colleagues in crisis.
To supply monetary donations:
The NU Foundation has established a University of Nebraska Emergency Assistance Fund, which will help current students and employees who face financial hardship resulting from emergency or crisis situations. The State of Nebraska has launched a Nebraska Strong website with information on how to donate, request resources and offer support statewide. A list featuring ways to give is featured in the Lincoln Journal-Star as well.
The campus community can also give blood to assist with recovery efforts.