Winter closure will be Dec. 24, 2019-Jan. 1, 2020

The University of Alaska observes a winter closure period. This academic year’s winter closure will be Dec. 24, 2019, through Jan. 1, 2020. Additional soft closure days may be observed Dec. 18-23, 2019, and Jan. 2-3, 2020.

Four days of the winter closure period are paid holidays: Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Three days of the winter closure period — Dec. 26, 27 and 30 — are not paid holidays. On those days, employees will need to take annual leave, leave without pay or faculty time off. Likewise, employees who choose to participate in the soft closure period will need to take annual leave or leave without pay. Faculty can also choose to take faculty time off.

Some departments must remain open during soft closure. Supervisors and unit leaders should consult with their president, chancellor, vice president, chief officer, provost, or vice chancellor, as appropriate, to determine required staffing levels to maintain university operations. Units wishing to consider partial or full closure during soft closure days should submit the request to their respective leadership point of contact as soon as possible. Leadership will work with the department/unit to make sure operating needs are met.

Once the business hours for a department have been determined and announced by the supervisor, employees should coordinate with their supervisor regarding leave options and schedules. Employees should be aware that retirement eligibility (PERS and TRS) may be affected if leave without pay exceeds 10 days in a creditable year.

UAA Employees
If employees are required to work on campus during the closure, supervisors must notify the University Police Department (UPD). All buildings will be locked during the closure. Any employee needing access to UAA buildings must have a key or access device to gain entry - UPD will not open buildings. Supervisors, please send notices of presence on campus during the closure to police@uaa.alaska.edu. If you have questions, please call UPD at 907-786-1120.

UAF Employees
January 2, 2020, is the first day of Wintermester. Offices that provide direct services to students should be reasonably staffed and should consult with Summer Sessions before planning closures.

UAS Employees
As part of the continuing effort to reduce operating costs, UAS will be observing the soft closure dates on Dec. 23, 2019, Jan. 2 and Jan. 3, 2020. During this time, campus offices and service areas will be closed to the public. Consistent with established UAS practice, Campus Director, Vice Chancellor, or Provost approval will be required for employees working during these dates.

For soft closure days (12/23, 1/2, & 1/3) employees who choose to participate will need to take annual leave or leave without pay. Faculty can also choose to take faculty time off during these days. Remember in order to cash-in 40 hours of FTO during the academic year a faculty member needs to first report five days of FTO.

Employees who need to work during the holiday need to request permission in writing from their supervisor and have it approved by the senior executive in their department (Vice Chancellor, Provost, or Campus Director) by 5 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2019. Supervisors should have a concrete work plan for any of their employees working during the closure to ensure productivity.

If you have additional questions, please contact Human Resources at 907-450-8200.