Dear Members of the University Community,
We write to follow up on our communication yesterday regarding the review of road conditions and plans for instruction and work on Jan. 16 by the Emergency Management Executive Team (EMET).
The EMET met today to discuss the weather forecast in the area, present road conditions, and the suitability of in-person class meetings tomorrow. The EMET determined that we will hold courses online on Jan. 16. The decision was based on several factors:
- Although the snow is forecasted to stop around 7 p.m. this evening, freezing temperatures will make roads hazardous for those who must travel to campus in the early morning hours tomorrow.
- There are a number of students who have not arrived on campus because their travel plans have been disrupted by the weather
- Franklin County Schools are closed, which presents a challenge to many of our faculty members and School of Theology students to be away from their homes.
As has been the case today, essential services (and, perhaps, some non-essential services) will operate. Those services include the Sewanee Police Department, the Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department, Sewanee Dining, and portions of Facilities Management. If other services are able to operate tomorrow, a separate announcement(s) will be made to the campus community about which facilities and services will be available.
The work situation for staff is as follows:
- We are asking staff in essential services (Sewanee Dining, the Police Department, the Fire Department, and sections of Facilities Management) to report to work as scheduled.
- For other employees, we plan to assess road conditions at 8 a.m. and make an announcement on reporting to campus for work by 8:30 a.m. Those employees who are able to work remotely are encouraged to begin their workday remotely and then come to work at 10 a.m. if road conditions are passable. Alternatively, employees should continue to work remotely based on guidance from their immediate supervisor.
- Non-exempt employees who cannot work remotely and who are advised not to report to work in person in the 8:30 a.m. announcement due to road conditions will be compensated as if they were able to report to work.
We recognize that the work situation for staff is complicated by the weather conditions and advancements in technology that have made remote work, in some cases, feasible. We greatly appreciate your commitment to operate what services we can offer under these difficult circumstances. Please enjoy the first day of classes under these unusual (and beautiful) conditions. In addition, take care in navigating your way to and around campus.
Sincerely,
Scott Wilson
Acting Provost
