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Policy Number: HR 26-007
Effective Date: 2/27/26
Last Revised/Approved Date: 2/27/26
Approved By: President
Responsible Office/Unit: Office of Human Resources / Operations / Office of the President
Public / Private: Private / Internal (Published on the Employee Portal and communicated to all employees)
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the identification, designation, and expectations of essential personnel during emergencies, campus closures, or operational disruptions. This policy ensures the continuity of critical university operations, protection of life and property, and maintenance of essential services.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all university employees, including faculty, staff, and administrators, who may be designated as essential personnel based on their job responsibilities and the operational needs of the institution.
3. Policy Statement
The University designates certain positions as essential to ensure continuity of operations during emergencies, severe weather events, public health crises, and other institutional disruptions.
4. Definitions
Essential Personnel / Essential Workers:
Employees designated by the University whose job duties are critical to maintaining safety, security, infrastructure, healthcare, academic continuity, or other mission-critical services during emergencies or campus disruptions. (see Procedures below)
Campus Closure:
Suspension of normal campus operations due to weather, disaster, public health emergency, or other safety concerns.
Remote Essential Personnel:
Employees required to continue working during closures, but who may perform duties off-campus.
On-Campus Essential Personnel:
Employees required to physically report to campus to perform critical functions.
5. Procedures
Essential personnel may be required to:
Essential status is based on position function, not individual preference, and may be temporary or permanent depending on operational needs.
Failure of essential personnel to report to work as directed, without prior approval, may result in disciplinary action in accordance with university employment policies.
A. Designation of Essential Personnel
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Essential personnel designations are determined by Cabinet leadership in consultation with:
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Designations are based on the necessity of the role to maintain:
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Departments must maintain updated essential personnel rosters and submit them annually to Human Resources.
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Employees will be notified in writing of their essential status.
B. Examples of Essential Functions / Roles
Examples include, but are not limited to:
C. Work Expectations During Closures
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Essential personnel must remain reachable and available.
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On-site essential staff must report as scheduled unless excused.
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Remote essential staff must continue operations during normal or modified hours.
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Supervisors will communicate reporting instructions, scheduling, and safety guidance.
D. Compensation & Timekeeping
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Essential personnel will be compensated in accordance with federal and state wage laws and university pay policies.
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Hourly essential employees will be paid for all hours worked, plus any hours granted for the closure.
E. Safety & Travel Considerations
The University prioritizes employee safety. Essential personnel should:
6. Related Policies and References
7. Review Cycle
This policy will be reviewed annually, or more frequently as operational or regulatory needs require, by Human Resources and the Emergency Management Team.
8. Contact Information
Office of Human Resources
Vice President of Operations
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