August 25, 2004

To: 3.0-m Telescope Observers

From: Joseph S. Miller, Director

Re: Shane Telescope Observing Requests

1. It is possible for an observer wishing to trade nights to first find another scheduled observer willing to make the trade. However, in all cases observers should NOT assume that once a trade is agreed upon it automatically has the approval of the Director's office. The decision to authorize a change resides with Burt Jones and/or the Director, who must consider if an equipment change is needed as a result of the change, if a requested support scientist is available, if lodging is available, and so forth. Trades that involve no equipment changes are usually straightforward, but even these may not always be convenient to schedule.

PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE IN PROCEDURE: All requests for time swaps should be made to Jacky Leighton, who can be contacted at jacky@ucolick.org or 831-459-2991. Jacky will then forward the request to Burt or me, depending upon which one of us is most available. I have instructed the Business Office staff that they are to make no changes at the diner or dorm in connection with a swap, unless they have received written authorization from Burt or me.

2. An observer wishing to give up nights cannot reassign them to someone else. This also pertains to a swap in which the numbers of nights exchanged between observers is not equal. For example, a three-night run cannot be traded to an observer who has two scheduled nights; one of the three nights must be given back to the Observatory. Jacky should be informed of the nights that are no longer desired, and Burt or I will have the responsibility for reassigning them consistent with the recommendations of the Time Assignment Committee.

Sincerely,
Joseph S. Miller, Director