The following message was shared with all OHIO faculty and staff on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.
Dear OHIO Colleagues –
We’re almost there! We can measure the distance to the end of this busy fall semester in hours rather than days at this point, and the much-needed winter break closure is just around the corner. Before we all disconnect for a few days of rest, I wanted to share two important updates.
First, our Dynamic Strategy workgroups have made significant progress in discussion around our four areas of focus. Two of our groups: the research and discovery workgroup and the work/commit group have now launched surveys to collect input. All members of our University Community are invited to complete those surveys, and I would like to personally encourage you to fill out both before you shut down your computer for the winter break.
In addition, remember that you can and should submit ideas for any area through our Dynamic Strategy
website.
Second, I wanted to share ahead of the winter break closure that we have made a change to our Vacation and Winter Closure Time Policy to ensure that no employee is required to use paid time off during winter break. Previously, administrators received an accrual deduction to account for the time and select staff were required to use accrued time. With this policy change, along with updates made to our union contracts, the break will simply include three holidays and three days paid by the University.
I want to thank our Vice President of Human Resources Mary Elizabeth Miles, her team, and our Legal Affairs team, for their quick work to get this important policy change finalized in time to impact the 2023 winter break.
I encourage you to use the winter closure to rest and restore your energy for what I know will be an exciting and productive Spring semester as we complete the work to refresh our University Mission and Vision and draft our Dynamic Strategy. I hope you feel much like I do – ready for the break but also eager to dive in again in January.
Happy holidays, happy New Year, and happy Commencement Weekend! I’ll see many of you soon as we applaud our latest graduates and cheer on the success you helped to foster in our amazing students.
Forever Forward,Lori
Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez President, Ohio University