Policy VII-6.14-GC UMGC Policy on Inclement Weather and Emergency Conditions for Staff and Faculty Employees

(Approved by UMGC President on April 1, 2019; Updated May 3, 2019; Updated May 26, 2022)

1. PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
   While it is the expectation of the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) to regularly provide campus operations during standard business hours, UMGC prioritizes the safety of its students, employees, and visitors in periods of inclement weather and emergency conditions.  UMGC physical facilities and locations may experience adjusted operating hours as a result of inclement weather or emergency conditions; however, it is expected that the university will continue to operate to the fullest extent possible during these periods.  The purpose of this policy is to establish the adjusted operating statuses under which UMGC work locations may be placed in periods of inclement weather and emergency conditions, and to also establish expectations for business continuity during such statuses.
   This policy applies to stateside exempt and nonexempt regular and contingent staff employees, student workers and collegiate faculty members.  Nonexempt staff employees who are included in the representation of the collective bargaining unit are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and applicable UMGC policies; where there is a conflict between the two, the MOU shall prevail.
2. DEFINITIONS
   1. UMGC work location – A UMGC owned and/or operated physical facility or location or where UMGC employees operate on U.S. military locations.  A remote or hybrid employee’s remote location is not considered a UMGC work location for the purpose of this policy.
   2. Adjusted Operating Status – The status in which UMGC will conduct business in the event of inclement weather or emergency conditions.
   3. Closed – A UMGC work location is closed for the entire workday and on-site work is not permitted unless approved by Facilities Management.
   4. Delayed Opening – A UMGC work location will open later than normal.
   5. Early Dismissal – A UMGC work location will close earlier than normal.
3. ADMINISTRATION
   1. The UMGC President or designee will decide to cancel or otherwise modify a UMGC work location’s operating status.  Whenever possible, every attempt will be made to announce the An announcement will be made through the following communication channels:
      1. My Alerts (sign up here)
      2. UMGC.edu/alert
      3. 301-985-SNOW
   2. UMGC will only issue announcements when normal operations must be disrupted or suspended.  UMGC will not post an announcement that the UMGC work location is open for normal operating hours.
   3. Overseas employees should refer to VII-11.00-GC – UMGC Policy on Noncombatant Emergency Operations (NEO) for Overseas Employees and any location-specific procedures for operations during emergency conditions.
4. EXPECTATIONS UNDER ADJUSTED OPERATING STATUSES
   1. When the university is in an adjusted operating status, employees shall not report to, or remain in, a UMGC work location during the time when the building is not operating without approval of Facilities Management.
   2. Employees are expected to work remotely while UMGC work locations are not operating due to an adjusted operating status unless otherwise communicated by your supervisor.
   3. Nonexempt employees are paid for the hours worked; therefore, they must make up any hours missed due to an adjusted operating status within the week or use accrued paid time off.  If no paid time off is available, the employee’s time off will be unpaid.
   4. Unscheduled Time Off
      1. Employees may use vacation, floating holiday, and/or personal time off for absence due to inclement weather or an emergency conditions with prior notification to their supervisor.
      2. Overseas employees may telework during inclement weather with prior approval from their supervisor.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES

The UMGC President has designated the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to administer this policy; to develop procedures as necessary to implement this policy; to communicate this policy to the UMGC community; and to post the policy and any applicable procedures on the UMGC website.