December 14, 2023
Essential/nonessential personnel designation for inclement weather declarations
With the official start of winter fast approaching this month, Human Resources has been working with university departments to update information in HRIS about which employees are considered "essential" during an inclement weather event. This designation is used solely to communicate which employees should report to work when a Declaration of Inclement Weather results in a reduction of normal campus activities.
Employees should talk with their supervisors about what is expected of their position during an inclement weather event. The FAQ below provide further context. This recent K-State Today article also provides more information about preparing for inclement weather.
What is K-State's policy for inclement weather?
K-State's Inclement Weather General Policy and Procedure is included in the university's Policies and Procedures Manual. It contains overall policy information, as well as specific info regarding remote workers and those already on leave during the Declaration of Inclement Weather.
What does it mean to be an "essential" worker at K-State? If I'm not designated "essential," is my work not important?
All positions at K-State are valuable and integral to supporting the operations and the mission of the university. The state of Kansas uses the term "essential" to designate which workers are required to report to work when normal operations for the majority of workers may be reduced. At K-State, this is most often applied during a Declaration of Inclement Weather, when the university reduces operations and classes are canceled. During these events, essential personnel still need to report to work because they perform jobs that cannot "take a day off," such as animal care, research support and physical plant responsibilities that include removal of ice and snow in preparation for the university to resume normal operations.
How will I know if I am designated "essential" in the event of a university closure?
Employees are encouraged to visit with their supervisors about whether they are "essential" and about the expectations for their position if the university reduces operations and classes are canceled.