Employees are being asked to help ease Commencement day traffic by considering working alternate or flexible schedules that day.

In a request to managers throughout the University, Michael Kloss, director of the Office of University Events, asks "As part of our effort to reduce the negative impact of traffic and critical parking constraints, we ask your help in actively assessing your workforce and identifying staff members who do not need to be on campus on the morning of May 13 for mission-critical or Commencement-support roles."

Suggested alternatives are formal or informal telecommuting, home assignments, or flexible schedules. For employees who must come to campus, organized carpooling is urged. 

These efforts have the endorsement of Emory's leadership, Kloss says.

Emory's WorkLife Resource Center has guidelines for work flexibility and telecommuting.

The University's shuttle service is available and maintains its regular schedule that day for employees. "We still welcome, park and transport University and Healthcare staff to their jobs as if it’s a regular day," says Alice P. Sloan, Transportation and Parking communications specialist.

She notes that transportation on Commencement day "is particularly challenging as we have much more demanding traffic issues in the Clifton [Road] Corridor as well as other approach routes to campus from about 6 a.m. until 9 a.m. or so."

"Every car removed from the streets, decks and lots makes a significant difference for the graduates and their families," notes Kloss.