As winter weather arrives, we want to remind everyone of the work options available during severe weather conditions. Please take a moment to review the information below to prepare for possible weather-related impacts on work.
How You’ll Be Notified
University leaders will decide if the campus needs to close or reduce operations due to severe weather. You will be notified as soon as possible by email, SAFE-U messages, and the University of Minnesota website. More details are in the University's Campus and Building Closing Policy and the Twin Cities campus appendix.
What Are Essential Employees?
"Essential employees" or “back-up positions” are those who are required to work on campus even during a closure or reduced operations unless directed by their department not to report for work. You can find more details in the University State of Emergency: Human Resources Implications Policy. Please talk with your supervisor if you are unsure if your position would be considered essential. If you use KRONOS, your payroll department will share instructions on how to track and use equivalent time off during weather-related closures.
Faculty and Instructors
In the event of a closure or reduced operations, faculty and instructors for in-person courses should be prepared to move to online instruction. For labs and other courses for which online instruction is not practical or possible, University administrators will provide further information and guidance as the situation requires.
Remote Workers
Many employees work remotely, follow a hybrid schedule, or have the flexibility to work remotely when needed. Those who are working remotely during inclement weather should continue as usual if the campus closes or operations have been reduced due to weather. No extra pay is given for this time.
We understand that some remote workers may need to use vacation or comp time due to disruptions such as school closures or childcare issues. Supervisors are encouraged to approve time-off requests quickly if the workload allows. Employees with ESST hours can use them for unexpected childcare closures so they don't lose pay. Sick leave may only be used for appropriate situations for employees represented by Civil Service, AFSCME, or Teamsters. Check your contract, rule, or policy for more details.
Student Workers
Student workers, including Research Assistants and Graduate Assistants, who are regularly scheduled but can't work due to a severe weather closure or reduced operations, will still be paid for their scheduled hours. If you supervise student workers, please inform them promptly if they need to report to work on campus. Student workers who can work remotely should do so, with approval, but will not receive extra pay during a campus closure.
Students on work-study will not be paid with work-study funds during reduced operations. They will be paid according to the regular policy.
Safety and Flexibility
We understand that everyone has different needs and want you to make the best decisions for your safety. If the campus remains open during severe weather, please use your judgment about whether it’s safe for you to travel and work on campus. You’ll still be responsible for your work, but you may need to make alternative arrangements with your supervisor.
Learn more about closure, reduced operations, and class cancellation policies and process.