University Of Alaska Anchorage: Campus Weather Closure Guidelines

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

November 5, 2021

Dear UAA Community,

As winter approaches and road conditions worsen, I am providing an update about our
policies surrounding inclement weather and campus closures. Please note that we have
established new policies in response to questions about how weather-related closures
affect those who can work remotely.

Snow and icy road conditions during the winter months may make it difficult for you
to travel to work. Please use your best judgment and do not put your safety at risk
when it comes to traveling to work in dangerous weather conditions. Work with your
supervisor if weather conditions in your area prevent you from safely traveling to
work.

How does UAA decide whether to close campus for inclement weather?

The Incident Management Team (IMT) assesses weather situations and makes a recommendation
to the chancellor about campus closures based on the following considerations:

IMT will announce initial weather closures by 6 a.m. Alerts will be posted on social
media, the UAA website and will be sent out via email. For those who want to receive
weather closure notifications via text, please visit uaalert.alaska.edu and select “Check/Update Your Information” to confirm that your UA Alerts profile
is up to date and you have opted in to receive telephone alerts.

With your safety in mind, we have also adopted the Rave Guardian safety app, which
works in partnership with the emergency alerts you receive via text message. This
is a free personal safety app that provides emergency information and support services
straight to your phone. Simply search “Rave Guardian” in the app store on your mobile
device and select UAA while registering.

If there is a closure due to inclement weather:

Administrative leave use during an inclement weather closure is intended for employees
who are traveling to and from a work location. Use earnings code 466 - Administrative
Leave on your timesheet. Temporary and student employees are not eligible for weather-related
administrative leave.

Remote work:

Remote work can and should continue if adverse weather conditions permit. This means
that those who have remote work agreements in place, as well as those who can effectively
work remotely, should do so even on closure days if conditions permit. Employees should
discuss specific conditions or circumstances which prevent remote work with their
primary supervisor.

Guidelines for inclement weather without office closure:

Employee well-being is our first concern. Contact your supervisor to work out possible
options such as:

Thank you,Bill JacobInterim Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.