Winter Weather Early Release/Emergency Closing FAQs:

Q: Who makes the decision to delay the opening, issue an early release, or close the University due to inclement weather?

A: The Provost decides to delay, release early, or close at the Storrs campus after consulting with the Director of Public Safety, Facilities Management, and Human Resources. The regional campuses' Associate Vice Provost, Regional Campus Directors or designee, with the approval of the Provost, make the decisions for the regional campuses.

Q: What is the best source of information to find out if the University is closed, has a delayed opening or an early release?

A: If a decision is made to close, delay opening, or release early during normal business hours (8:00 am-5:00 pm) the Provost's Office will notify the Vice Presidents and Vice Provost, who will be responsible for notifying their Deans, Directors and Department Heads. They in turn are responsible for notifying all employees in their school, department or unit. Second shift operations should contact the emergency closing line at 860-486-3768. Information for the Storrs Campus will also be announced on various radio and TV stations, which are listed at the emergency closing WEB site .

Q: If I am considered non-emergency support services, do I have to use my accrued time when there is an early release?

A: No, if the Provost or his designee makes a decision to delay the opening, issue an early release or close the University, non-emergency support service staff receive "Winter Weather" for the employee's regular scheduled hours that fall within the covered period of time.

Q: How do I know if I am considered emergency support services?

A: Individual departments, schools or colleges determine if an employee and/position is designated as emergency support services or non-emergency support services. The designation is based on what duties/functions you perform.

Q: Why would I be designated as emergency support services?

A: The University is responsible for providing various services to our students on a 24/7 schedule. The nature of the service, the time of the academic year and the severity of the inclement weather or other situational factors will influence the decision as to who is deemed emergency support services.

Q: If I am deemed "emergency support services", will I receive equivalent time for remaining at work or reporting to work when "non-emergency support" staff is not required to remain or report to work?

A: No. However, the University will consult with the Governor's office and comply with applicable collective bargaining agreements for exceptions for approval of equivalent "WW" time for those "emergency support services" that are required to remain or report to work. If there is no relevant contract language or "WW" is not approved by the Governor's office then employees do not receive equivalent "WW" time.

Q: If I'm out sick, and on that same day, there is an early release or delayed opening or the University is closed, do I get "WW' for the time covered by the early release, the delay or the entire day if the University is closed?

A: No, employees who have scheduled time off due to sick leave, vacation, personal leave, earned time, or leave of absence without pay during an official University closing, delay, or early release, will not receive "WW" time, unless provided for in their collective bargaining agreement.

Reviewed: 10/06