The university is encouraging many staff offices to reduce hours or close for spring break in order to conserve energy and save money.

The request is partially in reaction to recent budget cuts.

“The Iowa legislature acted just last week to encourage further reduction,” said Warren Madden, vice president for business and finance.

“Office hours are not necessary in most cases because of student absence.”

Employees are allowed to work if they choose, though department and unit leaders are encouraged to be liberal with employees taking vacation without pay during break. Offices being affected by hour reductions or closings are those in which faculty and staff can work outside the office on home computers, Madden said.

“That is what saves us the most money,” he said. “However, this will be the first year the university’s budget cuts have affected spring break. The last major problem was in the 1980s.”

During the 2001 winter break, the university cut back as well.

“We were successful over winter break at saving a reasonable amount of energy through this type of method,” Madden said.

“The students will be able to function. It will be less convenient because of the shortened office hours, but we are hoping it won’t interfere too much.”

Last year, 26,000 students used the Lied Recreation Center, State Gym and Beyer facilities during spring break. The same amount of users are expected this year as well, said Associate Director of Recreation Services Mike Harvey. Recreation Services is, however, currently looking for staff members to work at all three facilities during break.

“Those who want to work are allowed to, but in some areas we actually need more help,” Harvey said.

Abigail Fraizer, a regular user of the facilities, agreed with the decision to shorten hours during the week-long break.

“It’s a good idea to shorten up the hours because most students leave campus for spring break anyway,” said Fraizer, sophomore in child and family services. “It’s a good way for the university to save money.”

The Parks Library also plans to maintain the same spring break schedule as past years. Students are the main concern regarding Library Services.

“Last year, we actually added hours as a request from grad students and research projects,” said David Gregory, associate professor in Parks Library. “There have been no staff complaints, only the need for more help.”

The Parks Library is staffed primarily by students, which Gregory said makes it hard to find enough staff members willing to work during the break. Due to shortened hours, smaller offices within the library will also close earlier.

All offices are being asked to post spring break hours on main doors. If offices are closed, information will be provided as to where students may go for additional services.

“We would like to provide maximum service, but with limited funding, we need to have less hours,” Gregory said.