IS-2504 College Schedule Changes (Policy)

Introduction 

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) recognizes that there are circumstances under which it may be necessary to alter its normal schedule.  This policy applies to schedule changes, including closures or modifications that may be necessary due to inclement weather, emergency circumstances, or unforeseen events.

1. Authority for Schedule Modifications

1.1 Only the President or designee can determine if the College alters its normal schedule.

1.2 Supervisors cannot close their offices early without prior approval of the President or designee.

2. Types of Closings/Schedule Modifications 

2.1 Inclement Weather

2.1.1 College closures or delays due to inclement weather are determined only as the result of extreme weather conditions.  Should weather conditions vary significantly between campuses, the decision by the President or designee may vary by campus.

2.2 Other Closures or Delays

2.2.1 College closures or schedule changes may result from emergencies, building maintenance or other unforeseen circumstances. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and may vary by building and campus.

2.2.2 Whenever possible, affected staff and faculty are placed in alternative work settings while the modified schedule is in effect.  Staff and faculty whose offices, buildings campuses, or remote work arrangements that are not affected by the modified schedule must maintain their regular work schedule.

2.3 Closures/Schedule Changes Affecting Final Exams

2.3.1 In the event of a College closure or schedule changes during final exams, faculty whose exams, projects or other graded work due dates are affected should follow the guidelines set by their instructional division. Options may include rescheduling exams, extending due dates, or assigning current grades as final grades.

2.3.2 Faculty notifies students in writing in advance (preferably in the course syllabus) of the option that will be in effect should an emergency impact a final exam.

2.3.3 In individual student emergency cases, faculty may apply the College’s Incomplete Grade policy.

3. Personnel

3.1 Essential Personnel

Yearly, each division leader or designee will determine essential personnel. Essential personnel will be notified of their status by their immediate supervisor. 

3.1.1 Essential personnel must report to their regular work location and maintain their usual schedule unless their supervisor notifies them otherwise.

3.1.2 If necessary, deans or department heads may decide, on a case-by-case basis, which employees need to report to or remain on duty for critical departmental functions. These decisions should be promptly communicated to the appropriate vice president.

3.2 Nonessential Personnel

3.2.1 All nonessential personnel who are scheduled to work on a day when a schedule change is in effect are expected to monitor the media, call the College's telephone information line (505) 224-4SNO, or access the CNM website to find out the schedule for the day. Remote work should continue as usual for remote workers and those able to work remotely. Nonessential personnel are required to work during a modified schedule as if it were their regular work day, or take approved annual or personal leave.

4. Payroll Implications

4.1 Essential personnel working their regular schedule onsite while the entire College is closed are paid one-and-one-half times their regular hourly rate. When only a portion of the College is closed, these employees are paid their regular wages.

4.2 Nonessential full-time personnel are paid their regular wages while the College is closed. Remote work should continue as usual for remote workers and those able to work remotely.

4.3 Nonessential full-time personnel who report to duty prior to the official opening, or who remain onsite after an official closing, are paid their regular pay rate.

4.4 Part-time personnel are paid regular wages for scheduled hours during the closure.

4.5 Student employees are only paid for hours they have worked.

5. Leave and Flex Time Considerations

5.1 Pre-approved leave (annual, personal or sick leave approved on or before the day of a closure) effective during a closure or modified schedule will not be adjusted.

5.2 Staff and faculty who do not report for work at their scheduled time or leave earlier than their scheduled time must request approval and use of annual leave, personal leave or leave without pay.

5.3 Student employees, with prior approval from their supervisors, have the option of making up any hours not worked due to schedule changes, up to the maximum number of hours allowed by Financial Aid policy.  The made-up hours must fall in the same period as the hours not worked.

6. Definitions

Essential Personnel	Designated staff who are required to report to work or remain onsite as specified by their supervisors on days when a closure or modified schedule is in effect.
Flex Time	The early starting time or late stopping time of an individual's work day, maintained on a consistent basis, or equal time off for time worked within the same work week, at the supervisor's discretion.
Inclement Weather	Weather conditions that may threaten the safety of staff, faculty, students and visitors.
Nonessential Personnel	Staff and faculty who are not required to work onsite during a schedule change.

Forms

N/A

Support Materials

IS-2054 - College Closing Pay Matrix

Reference Materials

• Employee Handbook 7.04, Modified Schedule
• Collective Bargaining Agreements