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Chancellor's Update – September 2, 2005
ALERT: MESSAGE REGARDING GAS SHORTAGE
As you all know, the hurricane devastation on th e Gulf Coast is causing temporary gas shortages and high fuel prices throughout the Southeast, including here in western North Carolina . Federal and state authorities are monitoring the situation and say it could take several days for gas to begin flowing normally again.
Governor Easley has implemented measures to conserve the state’s fuel resources until such time that the full extent of the problems caused by Hurricane Katrina have been evaluated. Effective immediately, and continuing until September 15, 2005 , the following measures are implemented:
- All out-of-state travel is cancelled except travel that is directly related to disaster recovery or out-of-state travel involving an airline ticket that was purchased on or before September 1, 2005.
- In-state travel, including the use of motor pool vehicles, is restricted to activities related to instruction, law enforcement, public safety, public health and emergency situations.
- Facilities Management will discontinue mowing grass and will limit the use of any gasoline driven motor for normal campus maintenance activities. Other campus departments with vehicles are to limit use of those vehicles to essential travel only.
- During the next two weeks and beyond, teleconferencing is encouraged in lieu of off-campus travel.
When it can be accommodated without negatively impacting academic, student, or administrative services, supervisors are encouraged to allow employees to telecommute temporarily or to use annual leave, comp time, or flex time with supervisor approval. Flexible schedules, such as four 10-hour days, may also be a consideration. I am sensitive to your concerns about the high costs of gasoline and encourage each of you to consider carpooling opportunities. If supervisors have any questions about flexible scheduling or other options, they should call Kathy Wong, Director of Human Resources, for clarification.
In summary, if travel can be delayed then it should be. However, if there is a contractual obligation, the financial loss related to that obligation should be weighed and prudent judgment should be exercised. I ask you to keep calm, plan ahead, reach out to each other and the community during this situation. Please keep our friends and colleagues along the Gulf Coast in your thoughts.
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