As the festival of Thanksgiving approaches, it is a time to express our thanks and gratitude. Rensselaer will close both the Troy and Hartford campuses at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, to allow members of our community to avoid the expected heavy traffic patterns and spend additional time with family and friends.
 
In essential academic and administrative departments, staff may be required to work beyond the 2 p.m. closing to support limited student life, research, business operations, and athletic events. Thus, I ask that each vice president and academic dean designate staff required to work beyond 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The staff assigned as essential will be allowed equal time off on or before December 2, 2022. Each vice president and academic dean is responsible for designating the appropriate time off for staff designated as essential and required to work during the early closing. In addition, I ask that the Vice President for Student Life provide the necessary services to any on-campus or off-campus student who may require assistance during limited operations over the Thanksgiving holiday.
 
Please post this communication conspicuously to inform faculty, staff, students, visitors, and vendors of this early closing.
 
The time off for staff for the early holiday closing should be coded on payroll timesheets as "other paid time" (OTH). The same code should be used for alternate time off taken by December 2, 2022, by staff deemed essential who work beyond 2 p.m. on November 23.
 
Please be advised that staff who do not report to work for their regular work shift on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, or who have scheduled Paid Time Off (PTO), or who have requested bereavement leave on or before Wednesday, November 23, 2022, are not eligible to receive "other paid time."
 
Lyn and I extend to you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving holiday and hope that you continue to be safe and well.