Faculty Presence on Campus and Remote Work

Indiana University's policy on remote work for academic employees (ACA-83) recognizes the importance of faculty presence in sustaining the university's academic mission. The policy states:

"The physical presence of faculty and librarians advances an academic community, encourages vital campus life, makes use of extensive physical infrastructure inclusive of lab-based equipment for groundbreaking clinical training and developments, and supports a culture of opportunity, inclusion, and equity; all which undergirds institutional loyalty."

IU Indianapolis has maintained a similar expectation regarding faculty presence in the Faculty Guide since 2017.

Faculty Presence Expectations at IU Indianapolis

Faculty at IU Indianapolis are generally expected to maintain an active presence on campus in support of the university's educational, research, service, and community-engagement missions.

At the same time, the university recognizes that faculty work varies significantly across disciplines, responsibilities, and appointment types. As a result, decisions regarding physical presence and remote work are made at the school level.

Each dean is responsible for determining what level of physical presence is required for faculty within that school, taking into account:

• The school's mission and operational needs;
• Teaching responsibilities;
• Research and creative activity;
• Service obligations;
• Student engagement and mentoring needs; and
• Accreditation, professional, and programmatic requirements.

Remote Work Arrangements

Faculty remote work arrangements are not automatic.

Requests for remote or alternative work arrangements must be:

• Explicitly approved by the dean (or the dean's designee, if applicable);
• Consistent with university policy and school expectations; and
• Reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with unit needs and institutional priorities.

Approval of a remote work arrangement does not eliminate a faculty member's responsibility to fulfill all assigned duties and maintain appropriate engagement with students, colleagues, and the university community.

Disability Accommodations

Faculty seeking a modification of work location or other workplace accommodations for disability-related reasons should follow the university's reasonable accommodation process.

Information regarding accommodations, including procedures specific to faculty, is available through the university's disability and accommodation resources. Faculty should refer to the faculty-specific guidance within those materials and work with the appropriate university offices to initiate the process.

Requests for disability-related accommodations are reviewed under applicable laws and university policies and are separate from standard remote work requests.

Questions and Consultation

Faculty members with questions about presence expectations, remote work arrangements, or school-specific requirements should consult their dean or dean's office.

Deans seeking guidance regarding the application of university or campus policy may consult the Office of Academic Affairs by contacting ude[dot]ui[at]rhdaca.