East Texas

LONGVIEW — Because of rising gas prices, LeTourneau University faculty and staff will use a four-day work week during the summer. “With gas prices at an all time high, a one-day-per-week reduction in commuting will make a real difference to many of our families,” President Dr. Dale Lunsford said Tuesday.

The university will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but employees will alternate nine-hour shifts in four days a week, according to Tuesday’s announcement.

The message from Lunsford to faculty and staff said: “The increase in gasoline prices is unprecedented and has significant impact on our personal family budgets.

In an effort to provide full-time staff some relief, the university will adopt a summer work schedule for the period June 2 through Aug. 1, 2008.”

During this time, the normal work week for individual full-time staff will be reduced to 36 hours, according to the college.