Winter closure begins on Christmas holiday this year

Bernardo-80PULLMAN, Wash. – The December holiday closure will continue at Washington State University following a formal review, according to the provost.

The closure – including three paid holidays – will be from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2015.

Of 2,100 employees who responded to a spring survey, 1,556 favored or felt neutral about the closure. Based on the survey and a review of pros and cons, a task force recommended continuing the policy.

The closure of all but essential services across WSU the last week of the year began in 2011 during tight budget times to save energy and money.

That reason continues, said Dan Bernardo, WSU provost and executive vice president. But perhaps more important, he said, is that the closure more closely aligns the WSU calendar with the state K-12 system and agencies and with private enterprise.

Bernardo requests that WSU departments remain flexible when determining essential work and employee scheduling during the closure.

Get closure details at http://hrs.wsu.edu/December%20Closure.