U-M leaders remind campus about severe weather procedures

Updated 3:00 PM December 7, 2005

U-M leaders remind campus about severe weather procedures

With temperatures dropping and severe weather imminent, faculty and staff members may be wondering how U-M handles operations during winter storms. Campus leaders annually remind the community of the University's severe weather policy, which encourages all employees to make a reasonable effort to report to work as scheduled.

If operations are being maintained in a staff member's department, they should report or notify their supervisor if reasonable attempts to do so fail, according to the University's Standard Practice Guide (SPG) on Emergency Closings, SPG 201.27.

"Most of our students live on campus, so we will attempt to keep the campus open for classes and regular operations," Interim Provost Edward Gramlich says. "We do understand, however, that some of our students and staff members live a distance from campus and may find it difficult to make it in during severe weather."

The University conducts business during severe weather, and employees are expected to report or take vacation time or U-M Health System (UMHS) Paid Time Off for work missed. Staff members also may elect time off without pay.

If the University declares an emergency closing, SPG 201.27, states: "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.

"We ask staff members to make every reasonable effort to get to campus so that essential services can be maintained, while keeping in mind the safety of those who live some distance away," says Timothy Slottow, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "We are confident they will make solid judgments about the possibilities and risks of travel to campus."

In the event 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.

Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and UMHS CEO Dr. Robert Kelch says that even during an emergency closing only 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. "UMHS employees should call their supervisors if they are unable to report to work or are delayed."

The health system can provide some people in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area with a ride to work, the UMHS severe weather policy states. Supervisors or department heads will determine which employees need transportation assistance by calling staff members in advance of their shifts.

To review SPG 201.27, visit spg.umich.edu/pdf/201.27.pdf. UMHS employees are encouraged to review the severe weather policy at www.med.umich.edu/em/disaster/weather.htm.

Staff members represented by a union should consult their appropriate collective bargaining agreement for severe weather procedures.

U-M leaders remind campus about severe weather procedures

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