Weather Advisory Policy

Weather Advisory Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets expectations regarding extreme temperatures that may curtail University work activities, delay the opening of the University, or close the University due to inclement weather.

2. Notification

The University will use the RAVE alert system to notify employees (messages sent via email, phone, and text) of the decision to curtail or adjust University work activities, to delay the opening of the University, or to close the University due to inclement weather. Notification will be given as early as possible prior to the beginning of the regular work schedule. 

3. Procedure and Guidance

Employees:

• Communicate with your supervisor if you have concerns about your workspace or assignments during periods of severe temperatures.

• If you are unable to report to work because of extreme environmental conditions, you may use accrued vacation, personal leave, or leave without pay to cover the missed work time, if applicable and approved by your supervisor (to the extent approval is required). Use of accrued sick leave is appropriate only in the case of illness due to extreme weather. 

• If there are duties that you can perform remotely, you should do so with prior written approval from your supervisor or under a remote work agreement.

• Report a work-related injury or illness as a result of extreme weather temperatures to your supervisor and submit a Workers’ Compensation Claim to Human Resources.

Supervisors: Supervisors are asked to keep the following principles in mind to ensure the safety and comfort of employees during severe weather:

• If the work and equipment (such as with a laptop computer and mobile phone) allow, allow employees to be flexible in work locations. Conversation should be considered to enable employees to work in a more comfortable space, such as designated areas on campus with cooling, when feasible.

• Office Buildings with cooling on Campus are: Science Center, CDE, Ralph Minor, Conlan (lobby), and Facilities. 

• Employees may use their accrued paid time off or, if appropriate, in case of illness, sick leave.

• If your employees cannot safely work on campus or if the university closes due to inclement weather, and they have duties that can be performed from a remote location, be clear on the expectations of work to be done remotely.

• Supervisors have the authority to designate classified employees as “essential” and may require these employees to report for work on campus. Departments and supervisors should have plans in place that outline their expectations and work plans for employees, classes, and operations.

Please contact Human Resources with any further questions at Humanresouces@dominican.edu or 415-458-3775.

More information can also be found on the HR site linked here.

Flexible Schedule and Remote Work Guidelines can be found here.