Dear Rutgers Colleagues,
As we enter the time of year during which adverse weather conditions may become more prevalent, it is important to review Rutgers University’s policies regarding operations during adverse weather events, and for supervisors to update essential employee rosters and adequately communicate responsibilities to employees designated as essential in the event of university closure or delayed opening due to weather conditions.
University Policy 60.1.29 governs operations and reporting requirements during the declaration of a weather emergency at the university. There are three levels of university operating statuses which may be declared in response to adverse weather or other conditions. They are Delayed Opening Declaration, Closure - Weather Emergency, and Closure - Emergency Curtailment of Operations and they may be declared at either a campus or for the university as a whole. It is important to note that operating statuses may have exclusions and/or special instructions that relate to essential services (e.g., clinical operations) or off-site work locations; therefore, it is important that each employee read through adverse weather declaration announcements, and, when in doubt, contact your supervisor or unit/division head for clarification.
Action Needed
As in the past, departments are required to notify Essential Services Personnel, in writing, of their designation and to detail what that designation entails in terms of what job duties they may be assigned to perform during a weather emergency.
Additionally, we would like to emphasize our commitment to the well-being and safety of our employees during adverse weather conditions. Recognizing the potential challenges posed by such conditions, departments are encouraged to provide flexibility, when possible, for employees to work remotely. This proactive approach aims to ensure the continuity of essential services while prioritizing the safety and convenience of our staff.
While the decision to work remotely during adverse weather situations may not be feasible for all roles, we encourage open communication between supervisors and team members to find suitable arrangements that balance operational needs with individual circumstances. This collaborative effort will contribute to a more resilient and responsive university community during challenging weather events.
If you have any questions, please contact the OneSource Rutgers Faculty and Staff Service Center at 732-745-7378 or at OneSource@rutgers.edu.
Sincerely,
Vivian Fernández
Senior Vice President for Human Resources