Holiday closure reminder
November 26, 2013
From Brad Lobland, Interim HR directorAs the semester end is nearing, and the holidays are soon upon us, I’d like to reiterate UAF’s policy regarding winter break and university closure.
As a cost savings measure, each year UAF observes a winter closure period. This academic year’s winter closure will be Dec. 25, 2013 through Jan. 2, 2014. An additional soft closure day may be observed on Jan. 3, 2014.
Departments with essential employees are exempt from the university closure. Additionally, as Jan. 3 is the first day of Wintermester, offices providing direct services to students should be reasonably staffed on that day.
Four days of the winter closure period are paid holidays: Dec. 25–26, Jan. 1–2. Three days of the winter closure period are not paid holidays and are days for which non-essential employees will need to take annual leave or leave without pay: Dec 27, and Dec. 30–31. Likewise, if employees choose to participate in the soft closure on Jan. 3, this is another day they will need to take annual leave or leave without pay.
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. Employees should be aware that retirement eligibility (PERS and TRS) may be affected if leave without pay exceeds ten 10 days in a calendar year.
Departments that have circumstances requiring employees to work during the holiday closure (Dec. 27, 30 and 31) should notify UAF Human Resources before Dec. 17. If you have any additional questions, please contact Human Resources at 474-7700.