With winter just around the corner, take a few moments to review the UI’s policies on inclement weather.  Please note that there have not been any recent policy changes on this issue. If you have additional questions, contact Kay Shie (kay-shie@uiowa.edu).

1. UI Operations Manual weather policy (http://opsmanual.uiowa.edu/community-policies/extreme-weather-protocol)

As the policy states, whenever possible, the University continues to function during inclement weather. Regularly scheduled classes meet to the extent that students and faculty are able to travel to campus and attend classes. Units of the University providing essential services must remain open and in operation. These include University Hospitals and Clinics, Dental Clinics, Public Safety, University Housing, State Hygienic Laboratory, and Facilities Management. Staff in these units will be expected to make every reasonable effort to report to work. Administrative functions on the campus continue to the extent that faculty, staff, and administrators can travel to and conduct business on campus. Individuals should use good judgment and avoid serious risks in traveling to campus or in attending classes.

2. UI page section on Winter Weather Info (http://emergency.uiowa.edu/content/severe-weather-0)

If weather conditions are so extreme that central administration decides it is necessary to postpone or cancel classes or any other University activity, the Office of Strategic Communication will alert the campus through a variety of venues, including Hawk Alert, a banner or announcement on the UI Homepage and the UI Severe Weather Web page at http://emergency.uiowa.edu/.

3. Article XI, Section 6 of the AFSCME contract, “Severe Weather/Emergency Closings” https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/union_contracts/AFSCME_contract.2015-17.pdf)

The contract provides that if the proper Management authority declares an inclement weather situation exists the following shall apply:

1. If the employee reports within one-half (1/2) hour of his/her regularly scheduled reporting time, the employee will be assumed to have reported on time.
2. If the employee reports after one-half (1/2) hour of his/her regularly scheduled reporting time, the employee shall be credited with having worked the first one-half (1/2) hour of the day plus all hours actually worked.

NOTE:  The University of Iowa has interpreted “proper Management authority” as cited in the AFSCME contract (Item #3 above) to mean a senior administrator from University of Iowa central administration (e.g. the University President).