Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To understand more about the Modified Operations Policy at Kennesaw State University, view our frequently asked questions below.

Definitions and Roles

What constitutes an emergency at KSU?

An emergency is a situation that may place the health or safety of students, employees, or citizens at risk requiring immediate action, or conditions or events that prevent the performance of regular KSU operations.
When would the University shift to modified operations?

Modified operations may occur in response to an emergency and can include early closure, delayed opening, or a shift to remote work. This decision is made in consultation with the Office of the President or designee and the Office of Emergency Management.
Who is considered essential personnel during an emergency?

Essential personnel are faculty and staff designated to report to their work location to ensure the operation of essential functions or departments during an emergency or when the institution has suspended operations. Departments or positions that are considered essential are designated by the appropriate Cabinet member, Vice President, Vice Provost or Academic Dean. This may change depending on the nature of the emergency.
Who will notify me if I am essential personnel?

Your direct supervisor will inform you if you are considered essential personnel for the specific situation.
Who are non-essential personnel?

Non-essential personnel are employees who are not expected to report to campus during emergencies.

Operational Continuity

What is expected of faculty during modified operations?

During modified operations, faculty members are responsible for instructional continuity for their classes. All faculty members should have an instructional continuity statement in their syllabi beginning in Spring of 2025 detailing what instructional continuity means for that particular class.
How are decisions about KSU’s operations during inclement weather made?

Decisions regarding KSU’s operations during inclement weather are made by the Office of the President in consultation with the KSU Office of Emergency Management and other officials.

Closure

Will classes be canceled if the University is closed due to an emergency?

Yes, if the University is closed due to an emergency, all classes will be canceled, and non-essential personnel will not be expected to work.
What should I do if I am required to report to work during an emergency

If you are designated as essential personnel, you are required to report to your designated work location to ensure the operation of essential functions or departments during an emergency.

Pay During an Emergency

What is Inclement Weather Pay (Closure Pay)?

Inclement Weather Pay, also known as Closure Pay, is paid leave provided due to the unforeseen closure of a University System of Georgia (USG) institution in the event of inclement weather or any emergency. This closure must be declared by the institution’s President.
What should I do if the University remains open, but I feel unsafe commuting to campus?

If the University remains open and you decide not to report to work due to safety concerns, you will need to use your accrued vacation time. If you do not have sufficient accrued vacation time, you will be uncompensated for that time.
If an employee has scheduled for PTO during a campus closure, are they eligible for closure pay?

If an employee has approved PTO during a closure, they may be allowed to change to closure pay.
If I am scheduled off during an campus closure, will I receive inclement weather pay?

No, only those scheduled to work during a closure will be paid during those times that are deemed closed.
Do students, temporary and casual workers receive inclement weather pay?

No, only regular fulltime and parttime workers are eligible.

The following chart describes how inclement weather pay will be applied to staff and faculty:

No Value	No Value	No Value
Campus is closed	Non-Exempt Essential Workers who report to campus at the direction of their supervisor	Paid for their actual hours worked PLUS receive eight (8) hours inclement weather pay
	Regular, benefits eligible Non- Exempt employees (do not report to work) OR Essential Non-Exempt workers who do not report to work	Receive up to eight (8) hours inclement weather pay (pro- rated for part-time employees)
	Non-Exempt staff members who work an alternative work schedule that are not scheduled to work on the closing day	Will not receive inclement weather pay
	All other Non-Exempt employees including student, temporary or casual labor (do not report to work)	Will not receive inclement weather pay
	Exempt staff and faculty	Will be paid regular pay during campus closure
Modified Operations	Non-Exempt Essential Workers who report to work	Paid for actual hours worked during the modified operations period PLUS are paid for their regular work shift/hours
	Regular, non-exempt benefits eligible staff who are advised to work remotely during the modified operations period	Paid for hours worked (non-exempt) OR paid vacation time if they do not work.
	All other Non-Exempt employees including student, temporary or casual labor (do not report to work)	Will not receive inclement weather pay for the time campus is closed
	Exempt staff and faculty	Will be paid regular pay during any campus closure

Communications

What is the plan for communicating to employees if their building has no power or access is restricted?

All departments should have a phone tree as part of their Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Cabinet members will communicate to department leaders, who will be expected to activate their phone tree and communicate any closure and expectations around working with all staff and faculty. There will be communication templates that will be used to ensure all employees are aware of the expectations for each situation.

Miscellaneous

What happens if I lose power at home if we are remote? Do I have to take PTO?

If campus is not closed and we are under modified operations and you are expected to work remotely, but cannot due to power outages in your area, you should notify your supervisor and determine what options are available to you.
What if we are under modified operations and I am expected to work remotely and I didn’t bring my laptop home?

We typically have advance notice of storms. However, if we have an emergency, campus is not closed/we are under Modified Operations which has your department expected to work remotely and you do not have your laptop, you may take vacation time. If you do not have sufficient accrued vacation time, you will be uncompensated for that time.
If I have the ability to work remotely but decide to take the day off instead, will I be paid inclement weather pay?

If campus is closed due to an emergency, and you are not considered essential personnel, you will not be expected to work. If campus is on Modified Operations, and your Cabinet member has you designated to work remotely, you will be expected to work remotely. Should you need to take vacation time, you should discuss with your supervisor at the beginning of the event.
If we move to modified operations due to weather and schools or daycares are closed, how should staff expected to work remotely proceed?

While working remotely offers flexibility, business continuity should be maintained. Remote work is not a replacement for childcare or other personal responsibilities. If challenges in fulfilling work responsibilities are anticipated due to caregiving needs, managers and employees should discuss whether it is appropriate to take full or partial PTO hours.