Chapter 4
SUSPENDED OPERATION POLICY
In the event of an emergency situation adversely affecting University operations, public health, or the well-being and safety of students, faculty, or staff employees, the President or his designee may declare a temporary suspension of any or all operations of the institution. Emergency situations which might affect such a suspension decision include, but are not limited to: severe weather conditions, natural disaster, fire or related hazard, and mechanical or equipment failure.
As a general policy, the University will limit any suspension to those operations most directly affected by the emergency so as to minimize disruption of regular teaching, research, and public service programs. A number of organizations providing essential services including University Medical Centers, University Libraries, Physical Plant, Residence Halls, and University Police normally will be excluded from any temporary suspension decision. Vice Presidents, Deans, and other senior officers will identify those units and employees within their organizations responsible to provide such essential services. In turn, the Office of Staff Personnel will advise employee organizations of such designated units and employee groups.
Any decision to suspend operations temporarily will be declared by the Office of the President in consultation with senior University officers, and when appropriate, with state or federal officials. To the degree practical under the circumstances, notice of a suspension decision will be communicated by the Office of the President to the Vice Presidents and Deans for subsequent notification to employees within their units. Other suspension announcements will be made by the Office of Information Services to radio, television, and newspaper media. To the degree practical, such announcements will include basic information regarding the nature of the emergency, applicability to facilities, units and/or employees, and anticipated duration of the suspension.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
The University's normal policy is to remain open during inclement weather. Thus, employees are responsible to have alternative transportation plans in the event of snow or other severe weather conditions.
When such weather conditions occur, one of the following decisions will be made by the Office of the President:
The University will remain open and operating on a regular schedule, except as expressly announced to the contrary (e.g., conditions may warrant the suspension or cancellation of evening classes or scheduled public events even though the University otherwise remains open).
Most University operations will be temporarily suspended. No classes will be held, administrative offices will be closed, and, except as expressly announced to the contrary, all scheduled public events will be canceled. The University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and other essential services (e.g. University Libraries, Physical Plant, University Police, and the Residence Halls) will remain open, but may operate on a restricted schedule or restricted scope of activities.
When no suspension of operations has been ordered, supervisors may approve employee requests to work less than the regular work schedule. Such time off, as well as other approved absences from work due to inclement weather, is to be charged to vacation leave, personal holiday, accrued compensatory time, or leave without pay.
COMPENSATION POLICIES
In the event of a suspension of operations, compensation policies for affected staff employees are as follows:
A. For employees not required to work.
Employees not required to work may elect to use any of the following options for time missed:
- Vacation.
- Personal Holiday.
- Accrued compensatory time.
- Leave without pay.
- Make up time missed within 90 days. The make up time is credited on a straight time basis, except for those employees for whom the federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires that such time be credited on a time and one-half basis. The amount of compensation earned should not exceed the amount of salary lost by the employee due to suspended operation.
When prior notice of an operational suspension has not been given, employees reporting to work, but not required to do so, shall receive a minimum of four hours pay.
B. For employees required to work.
Employees required to work shall report to work as usual, and shall receive their regular rate of pay, including overtime and/or hazardous duty pay as appropriate.
Employees not on duty, but required to remain on or near University premises during suspended operations will be reimbursed for the cost of food, housing, or related expenses, unless such services are otherwise provided by the employing unit.
The application of this Suspended Operation Policy in any given situation will be limited to fifteen calendar days unless an extension is approved by the Director of the Higher Education Personnel Board.
The provisions of this Suspended Operation Policy apply to all Classified, Professional, and other staff employees.
Executive Order No. 27 of the President, November 18, 1987; revised May 21, 1990.