Winter break and soft closure
November 7, 2012
We want to remind everyone about the campus closure Dec. 26 – 28. Departments with essential employees are exempt from this closure. In addition, we propose the following options to encourage employees to take time off during the holiday season.
Reduced business hours — Dec. 17 – 21, 2012
This week may offer an opportunity for reduced business hours preceding the systemwide holiday closure Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2013. We encourage you to allow your employees to take leave during this period, keeping in mind your minimum staffing requirements for normal business operations, and the last day of fall semester is Dec. 19.
Soft closure — Jan. 2 – 4, 2013
The remainder of the week after the New Year’s holiday (Dec. 31 – Jan. 1) provides an opportunity for departments to implement soft closure for part or all of that week. Departments will be allowed to post hours of operation, including full closure. Please be aware timely communication to the campus community and general public is important.
All employees are encouraged to participate in the soft closure or reduced business hours during one or both of these weeks. For reduced business hours or soft closure, there may not be forced leave. Employees may choose to work even if the department is closed, take annual leave or leave without pay. Holiday pay for those eligible will not be affected regardless of the type of leave taken.
Employees should be aware that retirement eligibility (PERS and TRS) may be affected if your leave without pay exceeds ten (10) days in a calendar year.
Once the business hours for a department have been determined and announced by the supervisor, employees should coordinate with their supervisor regarding leave options and schedules.
Departments that have circumstances requiring employees to work during the holiday closure (Dec. 26 – 28) should notify UAF Human Resources prior to Dec. 17.
For units that remain open to the public and provide business services to students, hours will be listed on the holiday hours website. For all other units, please be sure to communicate directly with your students, vendors and other people who might visit during the soft closure.
Please take a moment to review last year's holiday hours website. If your unit is listed there, please send your soft and holiday closure hours to Marketing and Communications via email at marketing@uaf.edu by Nov. 19.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Human Resources at 474-7700.