Overview

The annual reduced operations period offers an opportunity for the university to maximize energy savings during a routinely lower level of campus activity and results in energy cost savings.

This year's reduced operations period is Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. This period includes three university holidays (Dec 25, Dec 26 and Jan 1), four weekend days and three business days (Dec 27, 28, and 29).

Units providing critical services such as Public Safety and Facilities Management operations (power plant, maintenance, custodial, grounds, transportation) will remain operational. Department heads and directors should consult with their dean or division head to determine the necessary operational level for their offices/units. Departments are encouraged to take advantage of the reduced operations period by limiting unit coverage and/or allowing for remote work where feasible. Daytime building temperatures will generally run cooler, so departments maintaining on site staff for all or part of the reduced operations period should contact Facilities Management by December 8 at 273-4400 to request a temperature adjustment.

Each unit must incorporate a minimum of managing and communicating the department's message retrieval and response protocol for any dates the office will not be open to the public during the reduced operations period. Further information about the reduced operations period is available on the Human Resource Services Reduced Operations web page.

If an employee doesn't request an absence for their regularly scheduled work day, due consideration should be given to permit them to work remotely or on-site where feasible, even if the unit is not open to the public. Contact Human Resource Services at hrs-mail@uni.edu or 273-2422 if you have questions.

Reduced Operations Office Checklist

1. Update main voicemail greetings to include an emergency contact number.
2. Set an automatic email vacation response.
3. Make necessary arrangements for staff who will be working.
4. Update departmental/office website.
5. Turn off electronic devices and office lights to conserve energy.

Facilities Management

Facilities Management will be staffed with personnel to operate the University's buildings during reduced operations and will look for opportunities to conserve energy through this period.

Unless noted below, building temperature/ventilation will remain on unoccupied (setback) mode throughout the reduced operations period.

• Rod Library, Biology Research Complex, McCollum Science Hall and portions of Gilchrist (Public Safety) will not be reduced.

Generally, daytime temperatures in the buildings during the period of reduced operations could vary from warmer to cooler than usual. Faculty and staff should dress accordingly. Departments maintaining on-site staff for all or part of the reduced operations period should contact Facilities Management at 273-4400 to request a temperature adjustment by December 8. Department personnel are asked to turn off lights, computers, printers and other equipment not required during the reduced operations period. Custodial service will be provided to common areas, restrooms and entrances in buildings where normal operations are continued. Service may occur on an alternate shift.

Mail Service

Reduced Operations

The Mail Center will not make regular deliveries December 27 through December 29, but will be open until Noon and mail will be sorted and available to departments that wish to pick up mail. Employees picking up mail must provide photo identification. The Mail Center will not deliver FedEx, UPS and other express mail packages unless space is needed on the Central Receiving dock. Departments may pick up packages these days until Noon at Warehouse I, located on 27th Street, but should call first to confirm the expected package has arrived.

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