Starting August 1, 2025, Georgia Southern University staff members will return to full-time, in-person work in accordance with a systemwide directive issued by the University System of Georgia (USG). The change brings an end to remote and hybrid work arrangements that had been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a May 2024 announcement by USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue, the system is re-centering around in-person operations. Telework, he emphasized, is not a right, and institutions are expected to phase it out for most roles unless formally approved through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) process
In official communications to faculty and staff, Georgia Southern confirmed the university would implement the policy as directed. The change applies to all university employees in staff roles unless they qualify for an ADA accommodation. Faculty members will continue to teach in the format approved for their courses, whether in-person, hybrid, or fully online
(Georgia Southern Human Resources).
University President Dr. Kyle Marrero discussed the transition during a virtual universitywide meeting on June 13. While a public recording of the meeting has not been released, employees were notified through internal emails that Georgia Southern will comply with the USG mandate and that all staff must return to on-site work unless formally exempted.
Accommodation requests are being handled through Georgia Southern’s Office of Human Resources. The university has stated that no other exceptions beyond those granted under ADA guidelines will be made. Human Resources has published information on how to submit such requests through the university’s established review process
(Georgia Southern HR Telework Guidance).
The USG’s broader telework policy also reinforces this approach. In the Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual, the system clarifies that teleworking is an employer option, not an employee right, and that it may not be suitable for all employees or positions
The change is intended to ensure campus operations align with student-facing services and promote a consistent in-person presence across departments. Staff members who have questions about their status or eligibility for accommodations are encouraged to contact Human Resources directly or visit the Georgia Southern HR website.
