Winter Recess Dates and Employee Information are Available Online

Sent on behalf of Vice Provost for Operations Mike Rounds.

Colleagues,

Each year the University of Kansas makes arrangements for Winter Recess when certain services are reduced and some offices are closed.

On Nov. 10, Chancellor Girod announced most Lawrence and Edwards Campus offices would be closed Dec. 27 through Jan. 2. KU employees will receive paid leave without having to use their accrued leave.

The Winter Recess website has been updated with information for the current academic year. The site helps ensure faculty and staff know of dates, affected services, payroll reporting deadlines, opportunities to use leave benefits, and important campus contacts during this interval. The site also assists in managing the various reporting aspects of winter recess. Information about whether your campus office is closed or alternate staffing arrangements during winter recess will come through your supervisor.

Please take advantage of this information resource if you have questions about the annual Winter Recess.

Purchasing and Deliveries

During winter break, the ability for order deliveries on campus will be limited. Please use the processes and procedures your department used this spring and summer if your unit must continue purchases during this time. The at-home delivery options for necessary office supplies are still available for your unit to use. If there are no available personnel to receive deliveries, please do not allow non-essential purchases.

A Note About Severe Weather

This is also a good time to review inclement weather notifications and procedures. When severe winter weather appears imminent, members of the KU community should monitor the KU Alerts page for news of closures and delayed start times for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses. Faculty and staff can also sign up to receive emergency notifications on their cell phones.

Employees and supervisors should discuss potential work arrangements now before winter weather affects plans and schedules. Weather-essential personnel should review expectations with their supervisors.

While many employees are working remotely, those who are not weather-essential but who work on campus are encouraged to use their judgement about safe travel and family needs during severe weather conditions and are expected to keep their supervisor informed. Employees may use appropriate accrued paid leave for the time they may be absent from work.

Respectfully,

Mike Rounds
Vice Provost for Operations