Get ready for winter weather
Nov. 18, 2010— It’s the season for turkey and pumpkin pie, tire chains, flooded roads, downed trees and power outages. Here’s a reminder about UW Tacoma stormy weather policies and a guide to information about closures and delays.
Please keep this for your reference through the winter. These guidelines apply whether classes are in session or not.
Closing campus
In the event of snow, ice or other dangerous conditions, campus leadership will assess the road conditions early in the morning and make a decision no later than 6 a.m., or 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.
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 midday. An announcement is usually made by 2 p.m. that day.
Where to get info
• UW emergency telephone hotline: Call 253-383-4636 or 866-897-4636.
• UW Tacoma web homepage
• Alert system emails and text messages. Sign up or update your contact information.
• Twitter
• Facebook
• 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 decisions to suspend or delay operations are made. UW Tacoma’s web 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
If operations are suspended, overtime eligible classified and professional staff must use accrued leave (annual leave, personal holiday or compensatory time), take leave without pay, or arrange to make up missed time within 90 days. If you have questions, please call Human Resources at 253-692-5669 or see the UW HR website to determine compensation and leave provisions available to classified and professional staff.
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
UW Emergency Management
La Nina FAQ, power outage info, preparation checklists, more
Take Winter by STORM
Tips, information and resources for Western Washington
Washington State Emergency Management
Preparedness for home, work, school; disaster assistance
Washington Dept. of Transportation
Road conditions, winter driving, mountain passes information
