Syracuse University

In continuation of Syracuse University's Flexible Work and Sustainability Initiative,
the University today announced a new 2008-09 winter break work schedule for
employees considered non-essential for the break period. The new schedule will
promote sustainability and energy conservation by reducing University-wide energy
use and employee commuting during the break.

The schedule is the result of work completed by the Winter Break Task Force, which
was asked to provide specific recommendations on whether the University can
effectively and efficiently adapt a winter break schedule this year that furthers the
institution's sustainability goals while maintaining the essential function of all
academic and administrative units. The committee was charged by Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer Louis G. Marcoccia and Senior Vice President
Eleanor Ware, and chaired by Neil Strodel, associate vice president and chief human
resources officer. The committee proposed a pilot winter break schedule that was
reviewed and approved by Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor and her Cabinet.

Following are details of the winter break work schedule:

• With the exception of employees who provide essential services, University
  employees will not report to work from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2. In past years, the
  University operated on a reduced-hour schedule (9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) during the
  week between Christmas and New Year's Day. With the adoption of a new
  winter break schedule for 2008-09, the University eliminates the reduced-hour
  work days and all non-essential, benefits-eligible employees-including staff
  at Lubin House, Greenberg House and the Los Angeles office-will be given
  this time off with pay. As outlined in the pilot schedule, these days-Dec. 29,
  30, 31 and Jan. 2-will be provided as paid "Green Days," in addition to the
  previously scheduled holidays of Dec. 24, 25, 26 and Jan. 1. Non-essential
  employees will report back to work on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009.
  

  
  

• Essential services in units such as Public Safety, Physical Plant and
  Maintenance will continue to be provided during the break. The SU Library
  will also be open for reduced hours during the break period. Faculty and
  graduate students may make arrangements through their school and college
  offices regarding lab and other research space.
  

  
  

• All essential non-bargaining unit employees who are required to work during
  the winter break will be given an equal amount of time off to be used at
  another time within the fiscal year, scheduled with supervisor approval. The
  pilot schedule will be offered to all employee groups, including those
  represented by unions, pending the fulfillment of bargaining responsibilities.
  Essential employees are considered those who provide services that: serve an
  ongoing critical function; may directly affect the health, safety or quality of
  life for personnel on campus property; and must take place during some or all
  of the winter break period.
  

The committee-recommended and -accepted proposal is being implemented as a pilot
program this year and will be evaluated to determine if it should be implemented
next year and beyond.

The Office of Human Resources will provide additional information for employees on
the winter break closing on the HR website. Supervisors will work directly with staff
to let them know who is deemed essential and non-essential during this period and to
discuss how the unit will maintain any essential functions.

Under the new pilot schedule, sustainable benefits will be seen through a reduction of
the carbon emissions otherwise generated through the daily commutes of University
staff and campus transportation; reduced fuel consumption and costs; and
anticipated energy-savings that will result from closing or reduced operation of non-
essential campus units and facilities. In developing this sustainable initiative, the
University continues toward an effective and efficient plan to ensure a healthy and
sustainable lifestyle, as part of the American College and University Presidents
Climate Commitment, which Chancellor Cantor signed in 2007.