Winter closure will be Dec. 24-Jan. 1
To: ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å Employees
Subject: Winter closure will be Dec. 24-Jan. 1
The University of Alaska observes a winter closure period. This academic year’s winter closure will be Dec. 24, 2019, through Jan. 1, 2020. Additional soft closure days may be observed Dec. 18-23, 2019, and Jan. 2-3, 2020.
Four days of the winter closure period are paid holidays: Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Three days of the winter closure period — Dec. 26, 27 and 30 — are not paid holidays. On those days, employees will need to take annual leave, leave without pay or faculty time off. Likewise, employees who choose to participate in the soft closure period will need to take annual leave or leave without pay. Faculty can also choose to take faculty time off.
Some departments must remain open during soft closure. Supervisors and unit leaders should consult with their president, chancellor, vice president, chief officer, provost, or vice chancellor, as appropriate, to determine required staffing levels to maintain university operations. Units wishing to consider partial or full closure during soft closure days should have submitted the request to their respective leadership point of contact by October 4. Leadership will work with the department/unit to make sure operating needs are met.
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 10 days in a creditable year.
ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åA Employees
If employees are required to work on campus during the closure, supervisors must notify the University Police Department (UPD). All buildings will be locked during the closure. Any employee needing access to ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åA buildings must have a key or access device to gain entry - UPD will not open buildings. Supervisors, please send notices of presence on campus during the closure to police@uaa.alaska.edu. If you have questions, please call UPD at 907-786-1120.
ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åF Employees
January 2, 2020, is the first day of Wintermester. Offices that provide direct services to students should be reasonably staffed and should consult with Summer Sessions before planning closures.
ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åS Employees
As part of the continuing effort to reduce operating costs, ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åS will be observing the soft closure dates on the 23rd, 2nd and 3rd. During this time, campus offices and service areas will be closed to the public. Consistent with established ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åS practice, Campus Director, Vice Chancellor, or Provost approval will be required for employees working during these dates.
If you have additional questions, please contact Human Resources at 907-450-8200.