Madison Reporter

With winter approaching, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has reminded employees to review its inclement weather policy. The chancellor holds the sole authority to cancel classes, suspend services, and close the campus to both the public and employees. Individual units within the university will not close independently unless there is a campus-wide closure.

Employees are encouraged to exercise discretion regarding their health and safety. If unable to report to work due to weather conditions, employees must use available annual leave, leave without pay, or accrued compensatory time. Supervisors are urged to be flexible in approving leave requests during such conditions.

The chancellor's decisions on class cancellations or service suspensions will prioritize the safety of students, faculty, and staff. For locations outside Madison, deans and directors need authorization from the Office of the Chancellor before directing employees not to report for work.

Certain university services like University Housing and UW-Madison Police Department must continue operations regardless of weather conditions. University Communications will collaborate with the chancellor for any weather-related announcements.

Employees are expected to notify supervisors if they cannot report or will be late due to inclement weather. Non-exempt staff must account for each hour absent using annual leave or compensatory time but may make up lost hours within the same workweek with supervisor approval. Exempt staff must also use available leave or agree on alternative arrangements with their supervisors.

Remote work agreements allow employees to continue working remotely during adverse weather if feasible. On-site workers deemed non-essential may also work remotely with supervisor approval but should return once normal conditions resume.

Each division can determine which roles are essential under this policy. More details are available online at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5055.