McMaster University closed over holiday period

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Presidents_2005holidaycard.jpg” caption=”The Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery.”]McMaster University will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 24 to Sunday, Jan. 1, reopening on Jan. 2. Winter term classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Employees are reminded to lock all doors and put away valuables. If you are on campus during this period and notice anything suspicious, phone Security Services at ext. 24281 or visit http://www.mcmaster.ca/security/. Security will be on duty throughout the holiday period, providing emergency services 24 hours a day. Officers will be patrolling campus, answering alarms and monitoring security systems.

If you expect to be on campus over this period and are working alone, you should follow the standard operating procedures for your department or call Security Services at ext. 24281 and inform them of your location on campus and how long you expect to be there. This is to ensure Security is aware of what buildings are occupied in case of an emergency. For more information refer to McMaster's Persons Working Alone policy.

Most campus services are closed for the holiday period, including The Pulse, which closes Friday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. and will reopen Jan. 2 at 6:30 a.m. Most dining facilities also will close. For a listing of dining facility operating hours click here. McMaster Libraries will have reduced hours. Click here for hours of operation.

Only emergency snow removal plans will be in place over the break. In the event of a snowfall exceeding two inches, grounds staff will be brought in to plow roads. Walkways will not be plowed, with the exception of handicap access areas, and hospital access. People are reminded to wear slip-proof footwear and avoid icy patches.

Limited parking lot clearing will be done in lots west of the ET Clarke Building; west of the Institute for Applied Health Sciences; and east of the McMaster University Medical Centre, to accommodate a small number of vehicles.

The University will reduce energy consumption next week, although essential services will be maintained to critical areas. As a result, temperatures in some buildings may be cooler than normal.

Staff is reminded to update their e-mail and voice mail vacation message before leaving for the holidays. For information on how to update an e-mail message, click here. To update voicemail, click here.

The Daily News returns Monday, Jan. 2.