In an effort to deal with financial constraints brought on by coronavirus, many Eastern Kentucky University employees are being told to plan on being off all next week. It’s being labeled a “soft” university closure.
EKU employees were notified about the forced vacation time this week through an email from Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Barry Poynter. In addition to a break for employees, Poynter states the four day pause will provide an opportunity for Eastern to save resources, reduce energy costs, and lessen financial liability tied to accrued vacation time. “When people take vacation, it takes that balance down. So, our books are in better condition at the end of the year. It’s a liability and we reduce the liability when people take vacation,” said Poynter.
That accrued vacation liability school wide has grown to more than $3 million in part from university decisions to extend a holiday break period and closing the campus with pay during spring break. The summer schedule is being suspended. The email reads employees will be paid holiday time for Monday. It goes on to say they should plan on using their accrued vacation time for the remaining four days.
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