UCLA Office of the CHANCELLOR


 

MEMBERS OF THE UCLA COMMUNITY:

I am writing to inform you that I have approved the Energy Conservation Task Group's recommendation that the campus Winter Holiday closure be implemented on a continuing basis, starting in 2004.

The Task Group's recommendation was based on the results of the trial 2003-2004 Winter Holiday closure, which generated $180,000 of energy savings, as well as other indirect savings. During this year's winter holidays, the campus will be closed from Friday, December 24, 2004 through Sunday, January 2, 2005, except for the UCLA Hospital system and those facilities required to be open for continuation of essential services as identified by the Deans and Vice Chancellors.

Similarly to the 2003-2004 Winter Holiday closure, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will be shut down or significantly reduced in campus buildings that do not house research laboratories or other extensive areas in which temperature control is required. Facilities Management will work closely with building coordinators to ensure that computer server rooms receive adequate air conditioning in those buildings in which HVAC systems are shut down. Faculty members and others who require access and have keys to closed buildings will be able to enter these buildings during this period.

As you may know, for 2004-2005, the Office of the President is considering a proposed one-time Bonus Leave Program that would allow eligible staff employees to use paid Bonus Leave to cover their absence during the two work days (December 28-29, 2004) included in the closure period. Campus Human Resources (CHR) will be providing additional information regarding implementation of the Bonus Leave Program when the proposal has been transformed into policy.

Sincerely,
Albert Carnesale
Chancellor