FROM: Bjong Wolf Yeigh

DATE: April 12, 2013

SUBJECT: Summer Work Schedule/Alternative Work Schedule

SUMMER HOURS:  May 13 - August 14, 2013

SUNYIT will begin its summer work schedule (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with a half-hour lunch) on Monday, May 13, 2013.  The seasonal change in hours does not alter any employee's duties or obligations as may be contained in any law or negotiated agreements.  In addition, employees will be allowed to dress in a more casual, but professional, business attire during this period.  The Cabinet will address with their respective directors and unit heads the appropriate dress standards for their functional areas.  If you have any questions, consult your Vice President/Provost or Director.

ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE:  May 16 – August 14, 2013

The college will also initiate an “alternative work schedule” from Thursday, May 16, 2013 through Wednesday, August 14, 2013.  In an effort to save scarce resources, five work days will be “compressed” into a four and one-half work days a week.  Employees will be required to work the “core hours” of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a half-hour for lunch on Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Friday with no lunch break.  The balance of the work week should be arranged with your respective director or unit head using “flex time” or a charge to your accruals. 

During the “alternative work schedule” time period, it is expected that each office will be staffed by at least one professional or classified staff member during the “core hours” of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Friday.

On the two days following the summer alternative work schedule (Thursday, August 15 and Friday, August 16, 2013), we will resume the summer hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with a half-hour lunch to finish out the week.

PLEASE NOTE:  The campus will be hosting new students at Orientation programs during this time.  All offices that serve students will be expected to extend their hours to accommodate these program dates and times.  Any modification to office hours during these program dates must be approved by your supervisor.  

  • Thursday, June 6 (day program)

  • Thursday, July 11 (evening program)

  • Friday, August 16 (day program)

The college estimates that we could save between $12,000 and $15,000 in utility and other related costs by closing each Friday afternoon during this period.  In addition, an intangible benefit of a four and one-half day work week is to enhance work-life balance for all employees.  We will be monitoring, on a biweekly basis, the effectiveness of this program.  Should the cost/benefits of the alternative work schedule not be realized, we may have to discontinue the program. 

*During the next two weeks, each department/unit will be developing an appropriate work schedule with their employees.  Employees who are unable to participate in this program, or who have special circumstances which affect their full participation in the program, should discuss this matter with their immediate supervisors.  The supervisor must contact the Office of Human Resources as soon as possible to review options.  Special accommodations can be made, which include providing an alternative work site for those who need to work five days a week.

We greatly appreciate your support of SUNYIT’s efforts to economize.