U of MN campuses will be closed during the winter break

The Uof MN Twin City campus will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 2. These dates vary slightly for coordinate campuses. During this time, University services and business offices will be closed. Only essential services will be open. The closure is a cost-saving measure. Utility savings will be realized by turning the heat down in most buildings and labor savings will be achieved during a time when U activities are already reduced.

Civil service employees are taking a forced 3-day furlough (time off without pay) while academic employees received a temporary pay cut instead of a furlough. The state program staff is affect by these changes. However, it is better than losing people.

With the university closure, Dave, Bridget and I will not be in our offices during this time, so you must plan ahead:

• Please enter your hours before Dec. 22 - especially if you may think you need help. Remember that all hours must be entered by the end of the year in order to get credit.
  
  
• Please request any materials, such as brochures, before Dec. 15, 2010.
  
  
• Online registration for the Master Gardener Course will not be available from midnight Dec. 22, 2010 until 8:00 am January 3, 2011 due to the University closure for cost savings. Customer support and credit card reconciliation will not be available during this extended period of time. Registration will be open again January 3, 2011 at 8:00a.m.

This will not affect those registering for the Arboretum or online, as those deadlines are December 8 and December 11, respectively. The deadline to register for the Winona course has been extended to January 8th, 2011 to accommodate for the closure. Morris will remain February 15. Please be sure to inform all interns who will be taking the Core Course in Winona or Morris of the closure, and to remind them to register as soon as possible.