OF RECORD
Emergency ClosingsUnder normal circumstances, the University of Pennsylvania never stops operating. The University recognizes that there are times, due to emergencies such as severe weather conditions, when classes may be canceled and/or schools/centers may be closed, except for those offices, such as but not limited to Public Safety, Dining Services, Facilities Services, which provide essential services. In an effort to insure the safety of faculty, staff and students, timely decisions to modify work schedules will be made. Modifications of work schedules may take the form of either a partial or a full closing of the University's operations. In either situation, staff members working in positions which are designated as "essential" are expected to remain at work if the closing occurs during their regular work schedule, or to report to work if the closing announcement is made before their regular work schedule begins. 707.1 Communicating Modifications of Work Schedules The University will announce a closing or other modification of work schedules through the following means:
Please note that radio and television stations other than KYW are not to be considered "official" sources of information. 707.2 Types of Work Schedule Modifications Please note that decisions affecting work schedules and cancellation of classes are made by the Executive Vice President in consultation with the Provost. These decisions will be communicated through the channels listed above. Schools/centers may not deviate from the University decision without the prior approval of the Executive Vice President. A. Full Closing: A full closing occurs when conditions warrant cancellation of classes and closing of schools/centers, except those providing essential services. B. Partial Closing: A partial closing occurs when circumstances warrant the cancellation of classes while schools/centers remain open, or vice versa. C. Delayed Opening: Occasionally, circumstances will warrant a delay in the opening time of schools/centers. D. Close Before the End of the Normal Work Day: When there is a closing of schools/centers before the end of the work day, appropriate individuals will be contacted by the Division of Public Safety so that they may release staff members in their respective areas. Individual schools/centers should remain in operation until such an announcement is received. 707.3 Recording Absence due to Emergency Closing The following practices should be followed by supervisors to record time lost when a staff member is absent due to emergency conditions:
Staff members who work in positions designated as "essential," and who work when the University is closed, will be paid at their regular rate of pay and will receive compensatory time equal to the time worked after the closing. Overtime compensation should be computed as normal. 707.4 Unionized Staff Members University staff members in collective bargaining agreements should refer to the appropriate contract language. -- Division of Human Resources Almanac, Vol. 45, No. 12, November 17, 1998 |