Friday, December 16, 2016

In the event of snow or other severe weather conditions in the Seattle area, it's important for faculty and staff to follow the UW's inclement-weather and suspended-operations policies.

UW Inclement Weather Policy applies when the University is in operation, but an individual employee requests time off because local weather conditions cause transportation problems or hazardous conditions.

UW Suspended Operations Policy applies when University officials temporarily suspend non-essential operations, requiring only staff performing essential functions to report to work.

Administrative Policy Statement 40.2 describes each unit's responsibility for determining whether its employees perform an essential function, and for notifying those who do of their responsibilities for reporting to work during suspended operations. Please review your unit's designation of positions that perform essential functions and make sure they are accurate.

If employees do not normally telework, but might do so during inclement weather or suspended operations, anticipate and discuss typical work that employees would need to accomplish.

Decisions to suspend non-essential operations on the Seattle, Bothell, or Tacoma campuses are made independently based on the prevailing conditions in their respective locations. If operations are suspended mid-day (between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), your department's designated emergency contact (usually a dean or vice president) is responsible for disseminating the information. Employees may also call the UW's toll-free emergency information line at 1-866-897-4636 or visit the UW homepage for suspended operations information.

If you have questions about HR practices during suspended operations and inclement weather, please contact sswhr@uw.edu.  If you have questions about or need assistance with business continuity planning, please contact UW Emergency Management.

Photo: Courtesy of Mel Curtis Photographs