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Winter Break Frequently Asked Questions

Special Note

The days covered by the Special Winter Break are not additional holidays, vacation, or personal days and as such are not subject to any type of additional pay. These days are considered a paid college shutdown and employees who work these days will be paid at their normal rate of pay, with an opportunity to take the four special days at another time.

What are the "break days" for 2008?

The "break days" are December 29, 30, and 31, 2008, and January 2, 2009. The official holidays for this time period are December 25 and 26, 2008, and January 1, 2009.

Are the additional "break days" paid?

Yes, the "break days" are paid at the normal base rate of pay.

Who is eligible for the additional "break days"?

All regular staff and union employees, both full and part-time, who are not asked to work to maintain essential services during the Special Winter Break are eligible for the additional "break days". Temporary employees are not eligible for "break days" pay, but if asked to work during the Special Winter Break they will be paid at their normal rate of pay.

What happens when the regular work schedule is something other than Monday through Friday?

When the regular work schedule is something other than Monday through Friday, "break days" are the regularly scheduled work days that fall between the Christmas and New Year holidays, exclusive of the college holidays.

Will employees have to use their personal time or vacation time during this period?

No, employees should not claim personal or vacation time during the "break days". The "break days" are in addition to their current bank of personal and vacation time.

Will employees who work during the "break days" be paid at a special rate?

The employees who work "break days" will be paid at their normal rate of pay. Non-exempt staff who work a scheduled holiday, however, will be paid at two times the hourly rate for each hour worked on that day, in addition to holiday pay.

When employees work the "break days", will they be able to take paid time off at some other time?

If an employee is asked to work the "break days" between the Christmas and New Year holidays, they will be encouraged to take their "break days" the week before the Christmas holiday. If the department determines that this also would be too disruptive to maintain services the supervisor may request that the employee take his/her "break days" at some other time before the end of this fiscal year.

May "break days" taken at another time be used incrementally?

No, break days must be taken as a full day.

May "break days" be carried over to the next fiscal year?

"Break days" cannot be carried over to the next fiscal year.

Who will keep track of people working or not working the "break days"?

Supervisors are responsible for tracking their employees' "break days".

What happens if an employee has bereavement, jury duty, or civic duty during the "break days"?

Employees with this situation should inform their supervisor, who will make arrangements for them to take "break days" at another time before the end of the fiscal year. Any bereavement, jury duty, or civic duty should be indicated on a time sheet for non-exempt staff and union employees.

How will non-exempt staff and union members indicate the "break days" on the payroll time sheet?

Employees who complete time sheets will indicate "break days" under the "other" column of the time sheet.

What areas of the College will remain open during the Special Winter Break?

The executive officers will identify areas that will maintain essential services during the Special Winter Break with partial staffs, and the individuals who will need to work during that time. It is the College's expectation that in total no more than 150 people will be working during the Special Winter Break. A schedule will be posted on the Human Resources Web site.

How do you define essential services?

Divisions, along with recommendations from departments, will determine what services are essential, and supervisors will determine who will work during the Special Winter Break.

Will the heat be turned down in some buildings during the Special Winter Break?

The temperature in buildings during the holidays and break days is reduced to conserve energy. Temperatures will not be reduced in areas where essential services are being provided, open to the public, laboratories, museums and other similar spaces. If there are specific questions about the temperatures, contact Facilities Operations and Management (FO&M).

Will administrative deadlines change due to the Special Winter Break?

Many department services will change deadlines due to the Special Winter Break, and departments will make individual announcements.

Will an employee receive "break days" pay if terminating employment?

Employees terminating employment may not use the "break days" as part of their notice. "Break days" are not cumulative and are not counted for termination pay.

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Last Updated: 1/3/08