News

President Roderick McDavis made the announcement in an email sent to faculty and staff today.     

 

McDavis says the Winter Closure Plan will begin this December.

 

Staff will receive two additional vacation days for use during the winter closure.

 

Christmas Day and New Year's Day will continue to count as holidays  and the President's Day holiday will be floated for use during the closure time.

 

According to McDavis' email, one day of each staff member's vacation will be considered a closure plan day.

 

McDavis says a committee will look into how the plan will affect workers in essential services. 

 

Becky Watts, McDavis' chief of staff, says the plan was initiated by Classified Senate more than two years ago.

 

"This is a morale issue for staff, especially classified staff, as currently all offices must remain staffed during that week," said Watts in an email to WOUB News. "For University offices, especially ones with limited staff, that keeps some individuals from ever spending time with their families during that week when children are out of school and traditionally families gather for celebrations and time together."

 

McDavis also says the plan is "making more efficient use of our paid time off benefit." 

 

The Winter Closure Plan Implementation Committee will include employees from all departments, as well as regional campuses and outreach offices.