Human Resources: HR Highlights - 2008-09 Winter Break Schedule

HR Highlights

2009-10 Winter Break Schedule

The Office of Human Resources will be closed December 24, 2009 - January 3, 2010, reopening January 4, 2010 at 8 a.m. Emergencies, such as those regarding medical coverage, may be reported to the Service Center by calling voice mail at 443-4042. This voice mail will be checked twice daily during the "Green Days" and emergencies will be promptly addressed in a timely manner. Service Center processing will not be performed during the Winter Break period. However, voice mail messages will be addressed.

In accordance with Syracuse University's Flexible Work and Sustainability Initiative, the University approved the 2009-2010 winter break work schedule for selected staff during the break period. The schedule, piloted in 2008, promotes sustainability and energy conservation by reducing University-wide energy use and employee commuting during the break.

Following are details of the winter break work schedule:

With the exception of employees who provide services defined as essential during the break, University employees will not report to work from December 24 to January 3.
In addition to the regular University holidays of December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1, the following days have been designated as paid "Green Days": December 28, 29 and 30. Green Days also apply to those working at Lubin House, Greenberg House and the Los Angeles office.
Essential services in units including Public Safety, Admissions Processing, Physical Plant and Maintenance, and others, will continue to be provided during the break. In addition, the SU Library will be open on a modified schedule. Faculty and graduate students may make arrangements through their school and college offices regarding lab and other research space needs.
All non-bargaining unit employees providing essential services who are required to work during the winter break will be given an equal amount of time off to be used at another time within the fiscal year, scheduled with supervisor approval. Eligibility for the winter break schedule is extended to staff represented by unions, pending the fulfillment of bargaining responsibilities.

In general, essential services are those that: serve an ongoing critical function; may directly affect the health, safety or quality of life of the campus community; and must be performed during some or all of the winter break period. Managers and supervisors will inform employees who are deemed essential during the winter break period and discuss how the unit will maintain essential functions.

Under this schedule, sustainable benefits will be seen through a reduction of the carbon emissions otherwise generated through the daily commutes of University staff and campus transportation; reduced fuel consumption and costs; and anticipated energy-savings that will result from closing or reduced operation of certain campus units and facilities. In developing this sustainable initiative, the University continues toward an effective and efficient plan to ensure a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, as part of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which Chancellor Cantor signed in 2007.

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