UT updates policies for inclement weather emergencies, essential employees

January 23, 2015 | UToday
By Jon Strunk



As students and employees deal with another winter, The University of Toledo has updated its Continuity of Operations Plan as well as its listing of essential employees, those required to work during inclement weather to ensure the continued operations of key services.

University Photographer Daniel Miller took this shot in November. There are rare occasions when severe winter weather may alter operations at the University.

University Photographer Daniel Miller took this shot in November. There are rare occasions when severe winter weather may alter operations at the University.

An important component of the plan continues to be communication.

“Our primary concern is the safety of our students, employees and patients,” said David Morlock, executive vice president for finance and administration. “With that in mind, our goal is to get the word out on delays or class suspensions as quickly as possible.”

In the rare event of a major snow or ice storm or other inclement weather that necessitates UT delaying or suspending classes or campus events, the University will announce this information through several communication vehicles:

• UT Alert text message and email (click here to sign up);

• Web: utoledo.edu and myut.utoledo.edu;

• Phone: 419.530.SNOW (7669);

• Social media: UT on Facebook and Twitter; and

• Local media.

Morlock said UT policy is to remain open whenever possible to minimize interruption of teaching and research.

Areas of the University deemed essential that will maintain continuous operations regardless of the weather are:

• Clinical operations;

• Campus safety and security;

• Information technology;

• Academic and student services;

• Supply chain operations (for clinical operations only);

• Facility services; and

• Employee payroll and human resources information systems services.

Employees assigned to these individual areas may be designated as essential and required to report to work during all emergencies and will be notified of their status.

Activation of UT’s Continuity of Operations Plan by the president or the president’s designee will be based only on Lucas County Snow Emergency declarations. Recognizing that UT employees live in counties throughout the region and in Michigan, residents in outlying counties that declare Level 3 Snow Emergencies are required to notify their supervisor and seek direction as to the appropriate treatment of the absence should they choose not to report to work.

Essential employees should complete the essential personnel acknowledgement memo and return it to their supervisor. Additionally, essential employees will receive the essential personnel restricted travel memo for presentation to local law enforcement if they are stopped during Level 3 Snow Emergency declarations. These documents will be made available by the supervisors.

If a sports contest is scheduled, the Athletic Department, after consultation with UT Police, will determine if the event will take place.

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