UVM Closing Policy

TO:     Deans, Chairs and Administrative Unit Heads
FROM:   Rayburn V. Lavigne
DATE:   March 25, 1994
RE:     Emergency Shut-down of University

This year's unusual winter weather conditions have caused us to re-visit our policies on "University closings." Those of you around during the winter recess will recall we closed on 1/4/94 at 2:00 p.m. to allow employees to travel to their residence before the weather worsened. On 1/21/94, after the students had returned, we chose not to close, even though other area colleges and businesses had shut-down for the day due to a heavy build-up of ice on many roads throughout the state.

It has been our long-standing practice not to close the University when classes are in session unless requested to do so by an external governmental body (i.e., Governor or Mayor) or where campus conditions preclude the provision of normal services. The decision to close the University is the President's and in his absence, the Provost's. Once the University is shut-down, those employees who must remain (i.e., Police officers, Physical Plant staff, etc.) are entitled to special compensation (see page 105 of UVM Staff Handbook). A recommendation to close normally comes from the Assistant Vice President for Administrative & Facilities Services and his/her staff. When a decision to close is made, Police Services is then responsible for notifying the campus and the Public Relations office advises all local radio stations.

Although only the President can officially "shut-down" University activities, Deans and Department Heads have always been given the latitude to scale back staffing levels, while maintaining basic services of their units. When the action to go home early is supervisor initiated or when the University decides to begin phasing employees out of the office, employees are not charged for the time. When employees initiate the action to go home early or not to come in, they are charged for the time or must make it up.

We hope this information is helpful and will be of service to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either of us.

For more information contact Charles.Jefferis@uvm.edu

Last revised: 21 March 1997
Author: Charles.Jefferis@uvm.edu

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