Christmas closure - what's available?

Now that term is over, and in the run up to the Christmas closure days, some services will be running reduced operating hours.

The University is closed for the winter break from Friday 22 December 2023 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Don’t forget: due to the closure our Payroll team will process payments a little earlier in December, on Wednesday 20 December 2023. January pay day will return to the last working day of the month, Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Here’s a roundup of where you can find building and services access details between now and the new year.

Campus services

• The IT Service Desk will be closed in line with the University closure dates. More information about support over the Christmas vacation is available on the DTS blog.
• The Library will be closed for the University closure period, and operates reduced hours outside of term time. For full details, see the Library website.
• Many of the catering outlets on campus will be operating reduced hours once term ends, and close entirely for the closure period. See the Venue Reading website for details of opening times for individual outlets. Park House is open during the closure period, including for lunch on Christmas Day (12:00 – 17:00) for students and staff who are working that day only, but anyone is welcome to visit for a drink.
• The Co-op at Whiteknights will close for the Christmas and New Year break on Sunday 17 December and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January.
• You can find details of how student services and Reading SU will operate during the closure period on the UoR Student Life blog.

Accessing buildings over the closure period

If you need to come onto campus over the closure period, please inform Security when you arrive and when you leave. You must give Security prior notice if you intend to come in - no access will be granted without this.

Please ensure you familiarise yourself with our Health & Safety advice on working outside of normal hours.

Switch off and secure your workspace

• Switch off all non-essential electrical equipment and make sure your workspace is safe and secure before you leave. Take a look at our Staff Portal story for more hints and tips on how to save energy this Christmas.
• Secure all windows, close blinds and lock all doors. Where possible, move valuable items away from windows.
• Lock away as many valuable items as possible (including keys) and bank all cash.
• Thieves can be deterred by items that have been marked in some way, such as an address label or UV pen marking. It may not prevent theft, but can help deter potential theft if an item bears some kind of identification mark.
• Building managers should ensure alarms are in good working order and set for the duration of the closure period.
• Remove all equipment from University vehicles before parking them in car park 5. Please leave vehicle keys with Security, and ensure they are collected by 09:00, 3 January 2024.
• Update Security with any changes to your emergency call-out arrangements.

Useful contacts and links

Security: emergency calls - 0118 378 6300. Non-emergency calls - 0118 378 7799. Email security@reading.ac.uk. Security are based on the ground floor of Whiteknights House (north entrance).

Health and Safety Services: Telephone 0118 378 8888. Email safety@reading.ac.uk. Advice on handling emergencies and incidents can be found on the Health & Safety web pages.

Estates: Telephone 0118 378 7000. Email estates@reading.ac.uk. For emergencies please contact Security (see above).

Employee Assistance Programme: Find details of the programme, including 24/7 support, through Confidential Care. Telephone 0800 085 1376. Email assist@cic-eap.co.uk.