Employee responsibility during emergency and disaster situations policy

The purpose of this policy is to protect the safety and security of the university and members of the university community through the maintenance of core services and operations during an emergency/disaster situation.

In a potential emergency/disaster situation, the President or designee may announce a university closure pursuant to the campus closing and cancellations policy. It is the policy of Lynn University to maintain core services and operations during any emergency/disaster situation while providing for the protection of life, health, and safety for all students and employees.

First responders - employees whose role with the university involves the provision of essential services and who may be required to report to work and remain on campus for a period of twenty-four (24) hours or more during a university closure are designated as first responders. At times, first responders also may be permitted or required to work remotely during a university closure.

Core services - core services include supporting students in residence, maintaining critical campus infrastructure, and providing necessary support and administrative services for these core functions. In an emergency/disaster situation, employees may be required to perform tasks that are outside their regular duties.

First responders are provided notice on an annual basis concerning the designation of their role. Reporting to work during a university closure, as directed, is a condition of employment for first responders. In the event a first responder is required to remain on campus for a period of 24 hours or more during a university closure, temporary on-campus housing may be made available by the university for the employee and the employee’s immediate family members (defined as spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children).

Department heads are responsible for confirming the designation of first responders in their departments and for scheduling adequate staffing before, during, and after an emergency/disaster situation. To the extent possible, first responders are responsible for monitoring communication and following instructions issued by the university before, during, and after an emergency/disaster situation. First responders who have not been directed to report to work during a university closure are considered on stand-by and should be prepared to report to work as directed and when safe to do so.

Employees who have not been designated as first responders generally are not required to work during a university closure and should leave the university until advised to return. However, any employee may be required to report to work during a university closure for periods shorter than twenty-four (24) hours, or to work remotely, as directed by their supervisor. Supervisors may only make such assignments during a university closure for matters of significance. Employees are expected to comply when safe to do so.

Compensation during an emergency/disaster situation

During a university closure for an emergency/disaster situation, full-time employees may continue to receive pay for their regularly scheduled hours and at their regular rate of pay for a period of time authorized by the President or designee.

In addition, first responders and other employees who are normally paid on an hourly basis (non-exempt) and who are required to work during a university closure will be paid for each hour worked up to forty (40) hours in a work week at their normal rate of pay. Overtime policy (time-and-a-half) will apply for any work performed over forty (40) hours in a work week.

After a university closure, employees who are unable to return to work for reasons acceptable to the university may use accrued vacation or personal time to cover such absences.

To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures, please contact Employee Services.