Policy on office closings

Effective: 12/1/06

Policy

The College of Biological Sciences (CBS) serves students, former students, University colleagues, and people and agencies outside of the University. We work for our students, the taxpayers of Minnesota, and the United States taxpayers (on our federally sponsored research). It is a general expectation that when the University is open for service, CBS should be open and available to provide service to these individuals. Consequently, CBS requires that all departments be open for service during the regularly scheduled University hours of business.

Guidelines

Departments are required to maintain continuous operation of offices during University business hours. Time off requested by individuals needs to be managed appropriately to maintain good service to our customers.

Office closings

• Office closings due to inclement weather or emergency situations are governed by University announcements. CBS will follow University decisions and announcements regarding such events.
• The practice of specific departments closing offices early prior to a holiday is being discontinued. Early closings may still occur periodically, but may only be implemented at the express direction of the Dean. Individuals may still take off time or leave early on these days, but department administrators are required to ensure that at least minimal staff is available to provide service during required University business hours.
• Employees leaving early on a holiday weekend need to follow University rules and governing documents for approving and documenting time off.