UMD News Releases

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus will be closed from December 23, 2010 through January 3, 2011. During this time, University services and business offices will be closed. Only essential services will be open. This winter closure is a cost-savings measure. Utility savings will be realized by turning the heat down in most buildings, and labor savings will be achieved during a time when University activities are already naturally reduced.

Campus units officially approved to be open during that week include the UMD Heating Plant, KUMD Radio Station, and UMD Stores (street-level store open Dec. 23, Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2 & 3). UMD Campus Police will be on duty during this time in the event of an emergency situation.

In the event of snow, main UMD campus streets will be open. Most UMD parking lots and UMD sidewalks will not be plowed.

The shutdown is timed with three days of unpaid leave for hourly employees—part of a larger effort to reduce costs. Faculty, administrators, and those in other job classifications (who also got a 1.15 - 2.3 percent pay cut) will work from home.

Last year an $18,000 energy savings was realized over the Holiday Break. At that time, employees were encouraged to take vacation time.