Preparing for winter weather

In the event of snow, ice, high winds or other dangerous conditions, campus leadership will assess conditions and will usually make a decision no later than 5 a.m. about whether to suspend operations or modify operations for the entire day or operate on a delayed schedule. These guidelines apply on weekends and whether classes are in session or not.

• If operations are suspended, in-person classes are not held, administrative offices are closed and all events and activities on campus are cancelled.
• When a delayed start is called, in-person classes and offices will resume operations, usually at 10:30 a.m. or noon, depending on conditions.
• If a storm or other emergency hits during the day, campus leaders may decide to suspend or modify operations (i.e. pivot to remote operations). An announcement is usually made by 2 p.m., or as needed, when a mid-day emergency occurs.

How to get information

All students, faculty and staff will receive UW Alert email notifications. You can also sign up to receive text messages about suspended or modified operations and other emergencies. Sign up or update your contact information at tacoma.uw.edu/alert. Closure and delay information will also be available on:

• UW Tacoma homepage: tacoma.uw.edu
• Twitter: twitter.com/uwtacoma
• Facebook: facebook.com/uwtacoma
• TV and radio stations will broadcast information from FlashAlert.net

What if UW Tacoma is open but I can't make it to campus?

Inclement weather can cause transportation problems or hazardous conditions that can vary widely in our region. Severe weather may result in closures to school or child care facilities, even as UW Tacoma remains open for in-person activity. Use your own best judgement about whether you are able to get to campus.

Students should talk with instructors about making up class time lost during a suspension of operations or a delayed opening, or if they are unable to get to campus to attend an in-person class. If your instructor needs to cancel a class, they should notify you through e-mail or Canvas.

You can always find this information in our UW Tacoma Emergency Guide.

FOR STAFF: Time off and pay practices

The UWHR website provides information about pay and leave practices during inclement weather and suspended operations. If you have additional questions, contact UW Tacoma HR at uwthr@uw.edu or 253-692-4701. Remember, when the university is in operation, but severe weather conditions exist, use your own best judgement about getting to work.

Telework may be a feasible option both for employees in essential positions and for employees who would not normally work during a suspension of operations. Employees may telework during suspended operations as long as they have the advance written approval of their supervisor or manager.