The document provides an overview and summary of a COGR (Council on Governmental Relations) webinar held on April 17, 2020, focused on compensation issues at research institutions amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The content underscores the rapidly evolving circumstances affecting federally funded research activities, referencing multiple Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memos and federal guidance affecting administrative relief, repurposing of resources, and compliance requirements. The webinar outlines institutional adaptations to address compensation and leave, with specific case studies from Harvard University, Duke University, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. These institutions implemented new or expanded compensation policies for research staff and students faced with remote work, reduced in-person activities, or idle time due to campus closures, emphasizing robust documentation, tracking of effort, and policy transparency.
Panelists detailed the necessity of up-to-date institutional policies and careful record-keeping to align with changing federal, state, and agency guidelines. Key themes included the challenge of maintaining payroll for staff unable to work on site, mechanisms for coding and tracking time, and considerations for both federal and non-federal funding sources. Each institution shared unique approaches, such as enhanced paid leave, specific tracking codes, new effort reporting requirements, and the handling of summer salaries or special circumstances. The overarching message highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety, adapting policies to emerging situations, and maintaining diligent documentation for audit and compliance purposes. Attendees were provided with additional resources and encouraged to consult official institutional guidance regularly, as well as legal counsel before implementing recommendations.
