Winter Storm Policy

Campus closing vs. cancellation of classes

The closing of campus and the cancelling of classes are two different decisions.

What does “campus is closed” mean?

“Closed campus” means classes will not be held and only essential employees to meet and support basic life needs (maintenance, food, shelter, etc.) will be asked to report for work. The University will do its best to maintain basic service to its 2,000 campus residents, but offices, programming and events will be closed and/or cancelled.

Who makes the decision?

The decision to cancel classes is made by the Chancellor, on the recommendation of the Assistant Chancellor and the Provost based on UW System operational policy. They are advised by the Director of Public Safety, who monitors road conditions in our region and the ability of the campus grounds crew to keep the campus accessible.

Manitowoc and Sheboygan Campuses

In the event that public transportation is suspended or the public school district cancels classes for weather related reasons, the Campus Administrator shall consult with their staff regarding recommendations about implementation of cancellations or closures. The Campus Administrator shall make a recommendation of action to the Provost, who shall make a determination consistent with our main storm policy.

What if a faculty member is unable to reach the University to hold a scheduled class?

If an instructor is unable to hold a scheduled class because they cannot reach the University during a winter storm, the instructor must notify University General Information 920-465-2000. The instructor is responsible for notifying his or her students, ADA (Academic Department Associate), and Unit Chair as early as possible and by Class Cancellation Procedures. Leaving a call at the budgetary unit office or leaving a note on a classroom door is not an acceptable alternative to calling University General Information.

What are the criteria for making the decision to cancel all classes?

In formulating a recommendation, the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance and the Provost take into account reports on area road conditions, forecasts of storm continuation, predicted snow accumulations, temperature and wind chill, and the ability of the grounds crew to keep the campus parking lots cleared. Another key indicator is whether city streets are open enough to allow continuation of city bus service to the campus.

Who decides whether students, faculty or staff should try to get to campus?

The judgment about whether or not to come to campus rests with the individual. Nobody who feels it is unsafe should attempt the trip. Driving conditions may vary across the wide geographical region served by UW-Green Bay. Individuals need to consider their own local conditions as they make their judgments. In the event that an employee does not report to work based on weather conditions, regardless of the activation of this policy, they are required to apply that time to their paid time off.

What should faculty do about students who are unable to reach campus in bad weather?

Winter storms are handled individually by campus. The following policies apply to all campuses, however, notifications will be campus Each faculty member has authority to determine how missed class meetings should be handled. Bad weather creates additional complications for students who live in outlying areas and students who have children in schools or child-care centers that have closed. Because we are operating in a context where the expectation is that we will try to keep from cancelling classes, it would be reasonable for faculty to be flexible in addressing individual student circumstances. Regardless, each faculty member should communicate his or her expectations clearly to students at the beginning of the semester and in the syllabus.

How will an all-campus closing or cancellation of classes be communicated in the Green Bay Campus?

If the entire campus is closed or if classes are cancelled by the Chancellor, UW-Green Bay’s Office of Marketing and Communication will take the lead in messaging the campus via UW-Green Bay email, the homepage, www.uwgb.edu and emergency communication site, emergency.uwgb.edu, as well as contacting regional radio and TV as part of the standard "school closing" reports. If you do not hear the announcement, it is highly likely that the campus remains open and classes are expected to be taught. If you have questions during inclement winter weather, call 920-465-2000.