Adverse Weather or Emergency Operation of the University
Policy
It is the policy of the University of Rochester to remain in operation and to continue regular services and schedules regardless of adverse weather conditions, transportation or utility problems, or general emergency situations. Exceptions to the policy may be made on a case-by-case basis and can include decisions to reduce services and/or staff levels.
Procedures
Curtailment decisions: The decision to curtail services in the University or a major division of the University is made by the President and University Senior Leaders. (A dean or divisional manager may temporarily curtail services in a unit in a local emergency situation, after consultation with the President or Provost.)
Essential staff: If it is decided that some curtailment is in order, the objective of the University is to continue certain services with as normal a staff level as possible. In general, those services are defined as those of the Medical Center; security; central utilities plant; dining; housing; and other facilities services as determined by the Associate Vice President for University Facilities and Services. Personnel in those areas are deemed to be essential staff. (Other staff may be designated as essential by their supervisor for particular incidents.)
Communication
Initiating broad communication: Communication regarding weather-related curtailment-of-services decisions or emergency responses will be delivered to students, faculty and staff by the Office of Marketing and Communications as soon as a change to regular University operations is known. In addition to AlertUR, official weather channels include:
- University email and UR Mobile app
- The University homepage: rochester.edu
- Instagram (@urochester) and X/Twitter (@UofR)
- Local TV and radio news stations
Divisional and departmental communication plans: Each division is expected to have in place a procedure for communicating with its departments and with its faculty, staff, and students. In addition, each administrative and academic department, whether or not it is likely to remain open during curtailment of services, should have a plan for communicating any changes or important messages to members of that department. This plan should include a designated “communicator” with whom the department’s faculty/ staff/students should be in contact to give and receive instructions.
Classes: Faculty members should inform their classes that under almost all circumstances classes will meet as scheduled and if there is a question about a particular class to contact the departmental office.