Inclement weather information for faculty and staff

Inclement weather guidelines

Closing campus

In the event of snow, ice or other dangerous conditions, campus leadership will assess the road conditions and make a decision no later than 6 a.m. — earlier if possible — about whether to suspend operations for the entire day or operate on a delayed schedule.

When operations are suspended, classes are not held, administrative offices are closed and events and activities are cancelled.

If no alert messages are posted on the website or the snowline, assume campus is open.

Delayed start

When a delayed schedule is called, classes and offices will resume operations, usually at 10:30 a.m. or noon, depending on conditions.

Closing midday

If a storm hits during a weekday, campus leaders may decide to suspend operations at midday. An announcement is usually made by 2 p.m. that day.

Where to get info:

• UW emergency telephone hotline: 253-383-4636 or 866-897-4636 (toll-free)
• UW Tacoma web homepage: www.tacoma.uw.edu
• Alert system emails and text messages. Sign up or update your contact information: www.tacoma.washington.edu/security/alert
• Twitter: twitter.com/UWTnews
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/uwtacoma
• Check SchoolReport.org for closure and delayed operation notices.
• TV and radio stations will broadcast information from SchoolReport.org.

Messages will be available through these communication methods as soon as a decision to suspend or delay operations is made. UW Tacoma's homepage will be updated as soon as possible with an alert message if there is any change in campus operations.

Missed classes

Faculty should make arrangements to contact students if class is cancelled when the university is not closed. Students should talk with their teachers about making up class time lost during a suspension of operations or a delayed opening, or if they are unable to get to campus.

Missed work time

UWHR's suspended operations web pages provide information about pay and leave practices during inclement weather and suspended operations. If you have additional questions about HR practices during suspended operations and inclement weather, please contact UWT HR at 253-692-5669.

When the university is in operation, but severe weather conditions exist, use your own best judgment about driving to work. Refer to the policy on taking leave due to inclement weather on the UW HR website.

Additional safety information

• Take Winter by STORM:
  Tips, information and resources for Western Washington
  www.govlink.org/storm (desktop)
  www.govlink.org/storm/mobile/default.asp (mobile)
• Washington State Emergency Management:
  Preparedness for home, work, school; disaster assistance
  www.emd.wa.gov
• Washington Dept. of Transportation
  Road conditions, winter driving, mountain passes information
  www.wsdot.wa.gov