To keep students and employees safe during snow emergencies, The University of Toledo’s inclement weather policy details procedures for when classes need to be delayed or canceled.
UT is a community and a home for many students, so while the University and UT Medical Center do not close during severe weather, classes and campus events may be delayed or canceled. Essential services on all campuses will continue.
“The safety of our students, employees and patients is our top priority, and we are committed to communicating as quickly as possible how severe weather impacts our campus operations,” said Lawrence Kelley, executive vice president for finance and administration.
In the rare event of a major snow or ice storm that necessitates UT canceling classes, the University will announce this information through several communication vehicles:
• UT Alert text message and email (visit utalert.utoledo.edu to sign up);
• Website: utoledo.edu and myut.utoledo.edu;
• Phone: 419.530.SNOW (7669);
• Social media: UT on Facebook and Twitter; and
• Local media.
Decisions to delay or cancel classes due to weather are based on the conditions of campuses and area roads, and reports from local weather forecasters and local transit authorities. Optimally, such announcements occur in three phases, including decisions to suspend morning classes by 6 a.m., afternoon classes by 10 a.m. and evening classes by 3 p.m. This approach provides flexibility should conditions improve, Kelley said.
UT policy is to remain open whenever possible, Kelley added, in order to minimize interruption of teaching and research.
When there is a temporary suspension of University operations due to weather-related conditions or other emergencies, the Continuity of Operations Plan is enacted to continue critical operations, ensure timely and ongoing communications, and protect the health and safety of the campus community.
To ensure that the University is prepared for such an emergency, the Main Campus Safety Committee conducted a scheduled tabletop exercise from 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 5 testing the University procedures and response during a snow emergency.
The areas essential to maintaining continuous operations during a temporary suspension of operations include:
• Clinical Operations;
• Campus Safety and Security;
• Information Technology;
• Academic and Student Services;
• Supply Chain Operations (for clinical operations only);
• Facility Services; and
• Employee Payroll and Human Resources Information System Services.
Employees assigned to these areas may be designated as essential personnel and, as a result, are required to report to work in the event of an activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan. Employees identified as essential personnel will be notified of their designation by their supervisors.
If UT employees are stopped by authorities during a state of emergency, they should show their Essential Personnel Restricted Travel Memo and explain they are on their way to work. County officials recognize that even during a state of emergency, employees must report to work.
Throughout the winter season, use extra caution when walking around campus in snow and icy conditions. When you see a walkway that needs to be cleared, report it to the grounds crew on the appropriate campus: Call 419.383.5353 on Health Science Campus or 419.530.1000 on Main Campus.
For more information about campus operations during a temporary suspension of operations, visit the University Continuity of Operations and Essential Personnel website at utoledo.edu/depts/hr/essentialemployee.html.
