The University of Toledo’s Continuity of Operations Plan helps to ensure students, faculty, staff, patients and other customers are safe during weather-related and other emergencies that may temporarily suspend University operations.
Although essential services continue and the University and University of Toledo Medical Center remain open during severe weather and other unforeseen emergencies, classes and campus events may need to be delayed or canceled.
“Protecting our campus community members is our No. 1 priority,” said Matt Schroeder, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “We strive to communicate as quickly as possible when campus operations may be impacted so we can ensure everyone is safe and our infrastructure is maintained.”
If a major snowstorm, ice storm or other type of emergency affects classes, the University will announce this information through the following channels:
• UT Alert text message and email — sign into the myUT portal to update contact information;
• Rave Guardian smartphone app — download free from your app provider
• Website — myut.utoledo.edu and utoledo.edu/weather, which provides time-stamped updates);
• Social media — UToledo on Facebook and Twitter; and
• Local media outlets, including TV and radio stations.
Decisions to delay or cancel classes due to severe weather are based on the condition of UToledo campuses and area roads, as well as reports from local transit authorities and weather forecasters.
“Even though we weigh multiple factors when deciding to cancel or delay classes, we do our best to make these announcements in three phases whenever possible,” said Schroeder. “Every effort is made to announce suspension of morning classes by 6 a.m., afternoon classes by 10 a.m. and evening classes by 3 p.m. This gives the University flexibility should conditions improve throughout the day.”
The University’s policy is to remain open whenever possible in order to minimize interruption of teaching and research. Leaders are asked to designate and notify essential personnel – those with skills or expertise critically necessary to ensure successful, continuous operations during an emergency.
Essential employees are required to report to work, regardless of the level of emergency, when a temporary suspension of University operations is authorized, and the Continuity of Operations Plan is activated.
UToledo areas defined as essential in maintaining continuous operations during a temporary suspension of operations include: clinical operations, Public Safety/UToledo Police, Information Technology, Academic and Student Services; Dining Services, Supply Chain Operations (for clinical operations only), Facilities, Employee Payroll and Human Resources Information Systems.
Employees who work in these areas may be designated as essential personnel and required to report to work whenever the Continuity of Operations Plan is activated. These employees will be notified of their designation by their supervisors and given UToledo’s Essential Personnel Restricted Travel Memo. This should be presented to law enforcement if stopped while traveling to or from work at the University during an emergency.
Throughout the coming winter, all campus community members should be cautious when walking across campus in snowy and icy conditions. If you see walkways that need to be cleared, notify the grounds crew on Main Campus at 419.530.1000 and on Health Science Campus at 419.383.5353.
More information about campus operations during severe weather or other emergencies is available at on the Continuity Of Operations and Essential Personnel website.
