Inclement Weather Information

Classes and scheduled activities will continue as planned, unless an official announcement is made.

When weather conditions make travel extremely dangerous or cause serious safety concerns, the Provost and Chancellor will monitor forecasts and road conditions and may decide to declare the cancellation of classes. 

A decision to delay or cancel classes scheduled during the regular Monday-Friday period will be communicated through the channels specified below at least two hours prior to the start time for the first classes affected. Cancellation of classes held on Saturday or Sunday is determined by the instructor.

Regardless of whether classes are cancelled centrally, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use their best judgement regarding travel to or from campus, taking their personal safety into consideration. 

Many factors go into making decisions whether or not to cancel classes or to close campus. Some factors include:

• Most students live on or near campus so they do not have to travel long distances to classes.
• Many students depend on university services (dining, housing, etc.) that would be affected with closure.
• Unlike K-12 schools, university students are adults who can make reasonable decisions about their safety.
• The university can't schedule additional days to make up for lost class time, as K-12 schools do.
• Students pay for their education through tuition and have a right to attend classes they have paid for.
• Faculty and instructional academic staff have the ability to individually make decisions about whether to hold class or make other accommodations due to weather.

Communications regarding class cancellation or campus closure will be made as promptly as possible by the public information officer, in collaboration with the University Communications and Marketing Department and DoTS, through the following channels:

• UWRF's home page
• Staff, faculty and student listservs (email)
• UWRF Alerts Service alerts via computer, cell phone, and text ** TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS FOR FUTURE EVENTS, YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THIS CRITICAL EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SERVICE**

Depending on the nature of the communication, the following communications channels may also be utilized:

• social media (Facebook and Twitter)
• campus-wide announcement loudspeaker system in buildings
• local media, on air and via their websites, including:

Television
WCCO Channel 4
KSTP Channel 5
KMSP Channel 9
KARE Channel 11 
WEAU Channel 13 (Eau Claire)
WEUX Fox Channel 48 (Eau Claire)
WLAX TV Fox Channel 25 (La Crosse)
WQOW-TV Channel 18 (Eau Claire)  

Radio
WEVR 106.3 FM, River Falls 
WIXK 1590 AM, New Richmond

Winter safety on campus
Please be cautious of snowy and icy conditions that can cause falls. Being prepared for adverse conditions will help to avoid these types of injuries. Remember, no matter how well snow and ice are removed, you will likely still encounter slippery surfaces while walking outside during the winter. Suggestions for a successful walking gait for winter surfaces could integrate some penguin-like qualities:

• Walk flat footed.
• Approach with caution any wet or dark areas on pavement as they may be icy.
• Walk on designated paths as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles or ridges can be hazardous.
• When walking on steps, always use the handrails.
• Always be aware and "give way" to snow removal equipment. The workers are out there working hard to make the campus safer for everyone.

Thank you for your patience during the snowy season. If you have any questions or comments, call 715-425-3827 for assistance or to report icy or slippery spots so they can be treated.

Inclement Weather for university employees
University employees should consult the university's Inclement Weather Practice Policy in making decisions about any change in work schedules.