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Working at Cornell

Inclement Weather FAQs

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As of October, 2023, the university's inclement weather policy and expectations have been updated. Here's what you need to know.

Why was the inclement weather policy changed?

The intent of the inclement weather policy is to keep students, staff and faculty safe when weather overwhelms our campus operations. The university is never truly closed though as there are essential services and individuals who are required to come to campus to complete those tasks. When employees worked predominantly on-site, it was not feasible or reasonable to require employees to make arrangements to work remotely for a single day. However, with our transition to a more flexible workforce and some employees working hybrid and fully remote, some employees now have the means to complete their job responsibilities when physical campus operations are suspended.

What is expected of employees?

We encourage supervisors to be flexible when inclement weather impacts the area, but the campus is still at normal operating status. If you cannot travel to campus safely, please reach out to your supervisor immediately to discuss your work arrangements for that day.

Is my job considered an "essential service?" 

Units are expected to identify their essential services and employees who may be asked to provide essential services within their respective business continuity plans. 

Supervisors are expected to have conversations with their employees about work expectations during inclement weather in advance of winter weather in New York state. 

Employees are also encouraged to approach their supervisor to discuss their role if they are unclear about their work expectations during inclement weather. 

What are the guidelines for meetings and trainings scheduled when campus closes?

Trainings should be postponed to allow for full participation by all employees. Meetings should be thoughtfully considered and rescheduled if they may preclude participation by all employees. 

Examples

  • Fully on-campus

  • Am I expected to work during a closure?

It depends on if you are identified as someone who supports essential services. If so, then yes, you are expected to work during a closure. If not, you will not be expected to work remotely during a campus closure. Please see the full program details.

  • Hybrid arrangement 
  • What if campus closes on a day when I'm scheduled to be in the office?

The general work expectation is determined by your work arrangement (that is, hybrid), not the days you are in the office. Therefore, unless you support essential services and are required to come to campus, you would be expected to work remotely.

  • Hybrid or remote arrangement

  • What if I lose power or need to clear snow?

If personal circumstances keep you from working, you are expected to use leave accruals. However, supervisors are expected to be reasonably flexible with schedules during inclement weather. We encourage you to talk with your supervisor to determine if you may be able to work flexible hours so you don’t need to take leave if you prefer not to.

  • Hybrid or remote arrangement
  • What if schools close and my children are at home with me?

If you are able to perform your job responsibilities while your children are home you may do so. If you are unable to perform your responsibilities fully, then you should track and record leave accruals as needed. However, supervisors are expected to be reasonably flexible with schedules during inclement weather. We encourage you to talk with your supervisor to determine if you may be able to work flexible hours so you don’t need to take leave if you prefer not to.

  • Fully on-campus or hybrid arrangement
  • What if campus closes while I'm working on campus?

First, review your work expectations to determine if you fall in the category of supporting essential services.

If you do not support essential services, it depends on your work arrangement:

  • If you work fully on-site, you are not required to work and will receive paid leave for the remainder of your scheduled hours. The travel time will be compensated as paid leave.
  • If you are hybrid, you are encouraged to travel home as soon as possible and continue working from home for the remainder of your scheduled working hours. Travel time is considered time worked.
  • Fully on-campus or hybrid arrangement
  • What are work expectations for a late opening on campus?

First, review your work expectations to determine if you fall in the category of supporting essential services.

If you do not support essential services, it depends on your work arrangement:

  • If you work fully on-site, you are required to travel to campus for the remainder of your scheduled hours. The time during closure and the travel time will be compensated as paid leave.
  • If you are hybrid, typically, you may work from home for the entirety of your scheduled working hours. Supervisors may ask employees to travel to campus for the remainder of their scheduled hours.

  • Flexible hybrid arrangement (i.e., during breaks when students are away)

  • How do I know if I'm expected to work on-site or remotely?

If the campus closes during an academic break when you have been given the flexibility to work a hybrid or remote schedule, you are expected to follow the guidelines for that work arrangement. That means you are expected to work remotely.

We strongly encourage you to have a conversation with your supervisor to clarify and ensure you agree about your work expectations. 

  • Student employees

  • How do I know if I'm expected to work on-site or remotely?

Students who are identified as supporting essential services may be asked to report to work on-site during a campus closure. Supervisors are expected to be understanding if students are unable to travel to work. Students who can complete their job responsibilities remotely maybe be allowed to do so. Students who work during campus closure will receive regular pay.