DWU adjusts business hours to allow for employee flexibility

DWU adjusts business hours to allow for employee flexibility

DWU offices will operate during new business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. effective immediately.

MITCHELL - Dakota Wesleyan University offices will operate during new business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. effective immediately.

The change, called Core Hours, was implemented at the suggestion of the university's Employee Engagement Committee. It is an effort to recognize that many employees have family and personal commitments that sometimes require time away during the workday.

Determined by department, employees will be expected to work a typical 40-hour week but can adjust their hours in collaboration with their supervisor. An employee might choose to work 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or may opt for a traditional 8-5 schedule. Per federal regulations, all employees will be required to take a 30- or 60-minute lunch break which does not count toward their 40-hour working total.

The core hours model does not impact faculty or class schedules.

Admissions counselor Megan Sarne knows that the new model will have a positive effect on her family. "I am very excited for this opportunity and the flexibility that these core hours will provide. I can drop my kiddos off at daycare earlier in the morning, arrive at work around 7:30 and be able to leave at 4:00. This will allow for more time with my children in the afternoons-family time is very important to us. I also know the new schedule will allow me to adjust as needed. Young kids can cause a hiccup when you least expect it."

President Dan Kittle is very pleased to be able to offer the benefit to the university's employees. "We are always looking for ways to support our employees' commitments to family and community. This is one way we can do that by allowing them to be somewhat flexible in their choice of working hours. Of course, our primary focus is always on serving our students and we know that our employees will gladly adjust as needed."

The focus on student needs is an important part of the new scheduling. Kittle continued, "One of the early outcomes that we're seeing is that this arrangement is actually expanding the hours when offices will be available to students. For instance, if students have a conflict when seeking assistance, a department like Student Services may opt to have an employee stay until the early evening hours, then arrive at work later the next day. Whatever their needs, we are intentional about meeting students where they are and as their schedules permit."

Although the formal operating hours have changed, DWU offices will still accept appointments that need to occur outside of the 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. schedule.

Questions can be directed to the appropriate department via email or telephone. You can find the Faculty & Staff Directory at dwu.edu/Faculty-Staff-Directory.