Telework

Texas Education Code §51.992 is a Texas law that limits which jobs in state colleges and universities can be designated for telework.

September 1, 2025

All faculty (teaching and non-teaching) and staff positions at TSTC.

• Job location labels such as Flexible, Hybrid, Remote, and Campus are being removed from all job profiles.

• HR Total Rewards and Workforce Structure will partner with leaders and managers to review and update job profiles to show telework opportunity.

• Based on what the job requires, not personal preference or past arrangements.

• Guided by the Restriction on Telework for Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) from TSTC’s General Counsel.

Once reviews are complete, each employee’s job profile in Workday will show whether the job is eligible for telework.

Yes. 

Generally, Telework is not permitted, but may be approved on a temporary or annually-reviewed basis only when one of the following conditions is met:

1. Temporary Illness
   The employee has a temporary illness and is still able to work. Employees with a temporary illness that prevents on-site work may request a short-term telework arrangement. Requests must be supported by documentation and must be approved in writing by the employee’s manager and Human Resources.

2. ADA/Medical Accommodation or Arrangement
   An employee who has a qualifying disability or medical condition may request a workplace accommodation or arrangement through Human Resources. Telework may be approved as part of the ADA interactive process and requires supporting medical documentation.

3. Non-Teaching Employees Meeting Statutory Criteria
   Telework may be approved for a non-teaching employee only when the employee meets all five criteria required under §51.992(c)(3):

a.  Works effectively with minimal supervision

b. Demonstrates an understanding of job duties

c. Manages time effectively

d. Has a record of accomplishing duties efficiently

e. Performs work that does not require in-person interaction

4. Teaching Roles Meeting Statutory Criteria
   Telework may be approved for:

a. Faculty assigned exclusively to distance education or dual credit courses which do not require in-person interaction

b. Employees who teach but are not classified as faculty by institutional definition

c. Faculty temporarily assigned to off-campus research

d. Faculty providing telehealth services

Supporting documentation from Operations is required. 

5. Declared Disaster or Emergency
   Telework may be authorized when a local, state, or federal emergency event disrupts campus operations. Approval will be issued by the Chancellor, or his designee, for the duration of the event.

Possibly. Candidates and employees may have questions about telework options. Consistent, clear messaging is essential: TSTC is following state law while ensuring fairness and transparency across all job roles.

“TSTC is reviewing all job profiles in Workday to determine telework eligibility under the new law. These decisions will be based on job requirements, not preference, and will be consistent across the college. Once complete, each employee’s Workday profile will reflect eligibility. For now, your current work arrangement remains unchanged.”