University leaders have updated policies that addresses employee pay and instructional continuity during inclement weather shutdowns.
Employees will continue to be paid during the closures, however two new provisions within the updated Inclement Weather Closure Pay Policy address employees who can work from home or an alternative site, and those who have previously scheduled vacation, sick or any other type of paid leave.
Employees with alternative work site capabilities will be required to work during inclement weather shutdowns. The decision on if work can be completed will be made by supervisors in individual units. Human Resources is asking unit leaders to identify who will be required to work from home or an alternative site in advance of inclement weather.
Also, employees already on leave (vacation, sick, etc.) during an inclement weather closure, must use their previously-authorized leave. Employees in a non-pay leave status will not receive inclement weather leave or pay. Previous university policy allowed employees on scheduled leave to change to inclement weather leave.
Review the updated policy here.
Questions regarding the updated policy can be directed to Human Resources at hroffice@unl.edu or 402-472-3101.
The university is also updating policies related to instructional continuity during campus closures. An overview of that policy — which goes into effect Jan. 3 — is available here.
As the seasons change and the chance of winter weather storms increases, Nebraska students, faculty and staff are reminded that UNL Alert— the same system that announces campus emergencies — will issue emails and text messages conveying weather-related closings.
The university provides up-to-the-minute details to a variety of devices. Text messages are only sent to those who have added their cellphone to the messaging options. Learn more about the university’s alert system.
Decisions to close the campus for inclement weather are based on a number of safety factors, including current and near future weather predictions, road conditions within the city of Lincoln and the area, access to the city via highways and roads, the condition of campus parking lots and sidewalks and guidance from local and emergency management agencies.
Weather-related closures are made available several ways:
They will be posted to the university’s main webpage, as well as to the university’s social-media channels such as Twitter (@UNLincoln, @NebToday, @UNLPD and Facebook;
Radio and TV stations will be notified of closures by 5 a.m. for day classes and 2 p.m. for night classes;
Site-specific off-campus closings will be made by the responsible administrator and communicated locally; and
Athletic and performing arts events may or may not be affected. In the event of a closure, ticket-holders to athletic events or on-campus performances should call ahead to see if those events will be held.
Certain positions, such as police and snow-removal personnel, have been identified as essential during weather closings. Those employees are made aware of the designation when hired and are expected to report to and work at an assigned site. A list of those employees expected to report to work during weather-related closures is available in the Inclement Weather Closure Pay Policy.
