U-M leaders remind campus about severe weather procedures

As snow and ice begin their annual blanketing of Ann Arbor, University administrators remind employees of the severe weather policy.

“Because so many students are residential, the University is to remain open except in the most severe emergencies,” Provost Paul N. Courant says. “The University has an obligation to provide services to the students, patients at the Health System and the general public. At the same time, we understand that some of our students and staff members live a distance from campus and may find it difficult to get in during severe weather.”

The University is conducting business during severe weather, and the employee is expected to report or take vacation time or Paid Time Off (the Health System plan for combined sick and vacation days) for work missed. The staff member also may elect time off without pay.

“We need staff members to make every reasonable effort to get to campus so that essential services can be maintained, but we do not wish to jeopardize the safety of those who live a distance away,” says Timothy Slottow, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “We trust them to make good judgments about the risks of travel to campus.”

Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs Dr. Robert Kelch reminds staff that even during an emergency closing only the areas that are considered non-critical shut down.

“The hospitals, public safety, transportation, food services, Plant Operations, housing and some research labs are considered critical services, and staff members are expected to make every effort to report to work,” Kelch says.

U-M Health System (UMHS) employees are reminded to call their supervisors, not Admissions, if they are unable to get to work or are delayed, the UMHS severe weather policy says. The health system can provides some people in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area with a ride to work but only if there is no other option, the policy says. Supervisors or department heads are to determine which employees need transportation assistance by calling staff members in advance of their shift. Employees who arrange for transportation are asked to wait for the ride once they are placed on the list.

If the University declares an emergency closing, the University’s Standard Practice Guide (SPG) on Emergency Closings, SPG 201.27, says: “Time lost from the regular work schedule during an Emergency Closing of the staff member’s area will be without loss of regular compensation for regular and probationary staff.” Pay issues are determined after the impact of the storm is assessed.

In the event that severe weather begins after staff members are at work, it is up to the department to determine whether employees may leave early. It is expected that vacation hours will be used or the employees will take paid time off.