Dear Colleagues,
Please see the following from Employee Relations:
As announced last week, the university is cancelling all in-person classes on Monday, April 8, and encouraging instructors to offer classes remotely the day of the total solar eclipse.
In anticipation of very significant traffic in the Western New York region on April 8 associated with the eclipse, the university is providing discretion for supervisors to assess operational need that day, to anticipate meeting that need and then to consider remote work opportunities for all other employees. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event – we encourage supervisors to be as flexible as possible.
All employees required to be, or who elect to be, on campus that day should check with their supervisors regarding any possible changes in reporting times or schedules on April 8. Employees reporting to campus on April 8 should anticipate heavier than normal traffic and allow for additional travel time.
If employees are unable to work remotely and will not report to campus the day of the eclipse, leave accruals must be charged as appropriate. Managers who have specific questions are encouraged to call Employee Relations at (716) 645-8169.
For employees on campus on April 8, or for those employees working remotely that day, we are encouraging supervisors to allow a reasonable amount of release time around the period of totality (3:18 to 3:22 p.m.), if feasible and based on operational need, so employees can watch the eclipse totality at their campus or remote work location.
We ask that employees review all campus communications regarding the eclipse, including the upcoming distribution of eclipse viewing glasses on campus and eye safety guidance.
The University and Human Resources appreciate your efforts to ensure the continuity of operations and safety of our students and colleagues on April 8. Thank you.
In Solidarity,
Ken Kern
Chapter President
UUP Buffalo Center