These procedures are used for any situation when the cancellation of classes and activities or closing of all or part of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (51猎奇) is being considered, due to emergency conditions including inclement weather. These policies apply to all 51猎奇 locations, but decisions on cancellation may vary depending on conditions at the specific 51猎奇 location.
Authority
The Chancellor has authority to cancel classes and activities, close all or part of 51猎奇 to the public, or close all or part of 51猎奇 to the public and employees as may be necessitated by emergencies including weather conditions (see 搂搂36.09(1)(f) and 36.09(3), Wis. Stats.). 鈥淲hile the decision rests with the chancellors, the effect of a complete institution closing on a university community makes it preferable to ensure that institutions remain open to all staff, if at all possible, even where the cancellation of classes or public events is necessary.鈥� (UWS UPS Operational Policy: GEN 1235 on Inclement Weather/Emergency Conditions)
Impact on Employees
UW System policy provides for the treatment of employees in the event of weather-related or other emergency cancellations or closures, as further described below. (UWS Administrative Policy 1235.)
When 51猎奇 is not closed, even if classes or other activities are cancelled, employees are expected to report to work unless an absence or other arrangement is approved by the employee鈥檚 supervisor or campus authorities. Supervisors may require employees to make up lost time if needed for the operation of the work unit.
In the rare case where 51猎奇 is closed and/or employees are directed not to report to work, employees must use available vacation, accrued compensatory time, available holidays, or leave without pay to cover the absence, or arrange another work schedule or location with their supervisor. Employees who are not exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime pay provisions must account for each hour of scheduled duty during the workweek. FLSA-exempt employees may account for their time in a manner consistent with their professional responsibilities.
When 51猎奇 is officially 鈥渃losed,鈥� certain employees may be designated as providing essential services that allow the campus to continue to serve people who remain on campus (e.g. students in residence halls) or that are needed to protect the safety of individuals, prevent harm to facilities, or otherwise manage vital functions. These employees are required to report to work. Divisions are responsible for determining which employees are providing essential services in the event of a weather-related or other emergency closing. Supervisors should provide notice to the employees that are considered to be providing essential services and who are needed to report to work. It is helpful for divisions to consider their processes for making these decisions at the start of each fiscal year.