The Stanford Winter Closure is an annual event that takes place from December 25 to January 1, where the university closes its doors to allow faculty, staff, and students to recharge and enjoy the holiday season. During this period, many university services and facilities are reduced or suspended, and it is essential for the Stanford community to plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition. In this article, we will provide you with essential information and tips to help you prepare for the Stanford Winter Closure.
Understanding the Winter Closure
The Stanford Winter Closure is a planned event that occurs every year, and it is crucial to understand the services and facilities that will be affected. The university’s main goal is to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and provide a well-deserved break for its employees. However, this also means that some essential services, such as IT support, library access, and recreational facilities, may be limited or unavailable. Faculty and staff are encouraged to plan ahead and complete all critical tasks before the closure, while students should be aware of the reduced services and plan their activities accordingly.
Pre-Closure Checklist
To ensure a seamless transition, we recommend that you complete the following tasks before the Winter Closure:
- Submit all expense reports and reimbursements
- Complete all pending tasks and projects
- Set up automatic email responses and voicemail messages
- Notify your team and stakeholders about your availability during the closure
- Review and update your emergency contact information
| Service/Facility | Availability during Winter Closure |
|---|---|
| IT Support | Limited support available |
| Library Access | Reduced hours and limited services |
| Recreational Facilities | Closed or reduced hours |
| Food Services | Limited options available |
Planning for the New Year
As the Winter Closure comes to an end, it is essential to plan for the new year and ensure a smooth transition back to normal operations. We recommend that you:
Review your goals and objectives for the upcoming year and prioritize your tasks and projects accordingly. It is also essential to update your calendars and schedules to reflect the new year and ensure that you are aware of any changes to university policies or procedures.
Post-Closure Checklist
To ensure a successful transition back to normal operations, we recommend that you complete the following tasks after the Winter Closure:
- Respond to any urgent emails and messages
- Review and update your task list and project deadlines
- Check for any changes to university policies or procedures
- Notify your team and stakeholders about your availability and any changes to your schedule
- Review and update your emergency contact information
What services will be available during the Winter Closure?
+Some services, such as public safety and emergency response, will continue to operate 24⁄7 during the Winter Closure. However, non-essential services may be reduced or suspended. It is essential to review the university’s winter closure website for the most up-to-date information on affected services and facilities.
How can I prepare for the Winter Closure?
+To prepare for the Winter Closure, we recommend that you complete all critical tasks before the closure, set up automatic email responses and voicemail messages, and notify your team and stakeholders about your availability during the closure. It is also essential to review the university’s winter closure website for the most up-to-date information on affected services and facilities.
