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Policy

In the event of weather emergencies, the Chancellor or designee may cancel classes and close the campus to the public and/or direct all non-emergency employees to leave work early or not to report to work.

Authority

The UW-River Falls Chancellor issues this policy in accordance with the Administrative Policy process. 

The ACBF is responsible for the administration of this policy. Request an exception to this policy by writing to administrative-policy@uwrf.edu.

Sanctions and Appeals Process

Failure to adhere to the provisions of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action as provided under existing procedures applicable to students, faculty, and staff, and/or civil or criminal prosecution.

Procedure

1. All employees (faculty, academic staff, classified, and students) are expected to make an earnest effort to report to work in the event that classes are canceled and the campus has been closed to the public. Safety and welfare should be the principle that guides an employee's decision to leave work early or not to report to work. Employees are expected to inform their supervisor of their decision.
   
2. In the event that classes have been delayed or canceled, or the campus has been closed to the public, University Communications will notify local and Twin Cities news media, and send communications to the campus via the campus emergency notification system, the university website, and university managed social media channels. If work is canceled for non-emergency employees, they will be notified by the campus emergency notification system, which includes communication via email, text message, and voice message.
   
3. Personnel policies govern the treatment of faculty and academic staff in the event severe weather causes the disruption or cancellation of work. The effect of closure on classified staff is governed by the Office of State Employment Relations policy and civil service laws. The effect of closure on faculty and academic staff are governed by personnel policies in the Faculty and Academic Staff Handbook. The policy references that the decision to close a campus rests with the Chancellor of the institutions and that if the campus is closed, employees must use leave time, use leave without pay, or make up the time at the discretion of their supervisor.
   

University Responsibilities

Chancellor, Provost and Vice Chancellor, Assistant Chancellor for Business and Finance

Department/Unit Responsibilities

All departments.

Background

In spite of inclement weather, it is unrealistic to close a campus. There are numerous vital services that must be maintained such as security services, food services for residential students, power plant operations, snow removal, etc. However, if inclement weather is severe enough, class can be canceled, the campus can be closed to the public, and all non-emergency personnel can be directed to leave university property.

Contact

Please direct questions about this policy to administrative-policy@uwrf.edu.