Inclement Weather Guidelines

December 16, 2021

Dear UMB Community:
 
As temperatures drop each year, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) prepares for the possibility of snow in the months ahead. Part of those preparations includes reminding our community about inclement weather closures, delays, liberal leave, and more. Last winter, many employees and students were teleworking and learning virtually. This winter, many community members are now back on campus or teleworking periodically. Because of these changes, please take a moment to review what a change to on-campus operations could mean for you.
 
In the event of a UMB campus closure or delay, a UMB Alert will be sent by 5 a.m. This early notification ensures that those with long commutes or early shifts are aware in a timely manner. Closure and delay information also will be available on the UMB Alerts webpage, UMB social media accounts, and the UMB Emergency Information Hotline (410-706-8622). Please note: Weather-related delays and closures are no longer sent to local news media outlets.
 
During a UMB campus closure or delay:
  • Essential employees should report to campus as scheduled.
  • Employees who are approved and scheduled to telework on a day when there is a campus closure or delay should work their regularly scheduled hours or take leave. Supervisors may not unreasonably deny a teleworker’s request to take leave during an emergency closure if the emergency condition results in unexpected dependent care obligations (e.g., a local school closure for inclement weather). (See UMB Policy on Telework, section VII-D.) 
  • Employees who are not scheduled to telework and employees who are not required to come to campus as essential employees will receive administrative leave.
  • Faculty who are teaching virtually should expect their courses to continue as scheduled, unless otherwise communicated.
  • Faculty who are teaching in-person classes should expect on-campus lectures or activities to be canceled.
 
Non-exempt essential employees who are required to work on campus during a weather-related closure or delay may choose to either:
  • Receive their regular compensation and may request the equivalent administrative leave hours to be used within 90 days of the closure or delay; or
  • Receive their regular compensation and may request to be paid at their straight hourly rate for the number of hours of the closure or delay that the employee was required to be on campus.
 
If you have questions about your specific responsibilities or circumstances, please communicate with your immediate supervisor about whether to come to campus or if you need alternative accommodations due to weather conditions in your local area. Human Resource Services will provide information about when and how to enter Administrative Leave on your timesheet after a campus closure or delay.
 
The University’s guide to changes in on-campus operations features additional information about campus closures, delays, and more. While I hope this letter provides some clarification, I understand that it cannot cover every scenario. Please consult with your supervisor and the UMB Policy on Telework. If you have additional questions, please contact Employee and Labor Relations at 410-706-2606.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sunday J. Jones, SPHR, MBA
Director, Employee and Labor Relations
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