Emergency Closing Policy

Background:  Under normal circumstances, the University remains open to ensure continuity of services to students and the public.  The University recognizes, however, that there are times, due to emergencies, when classes may be cancelled and/or schools may be closed.  This policy anticipates such emergencies including, but not limited to, severe weather conditions, flooding, natural disasters, major utility failure, and public safety issues.

Purpose of policy:  The purpose of this policy is to provide the protocol whereby University Officials may declare a late opening, early release or shut down for an entire workday, all or a portion of the University and shall communicate this information to employees.  This policy also clarifies attendance expectations and compensation information for required services/emergency support services employees and released employees.

Expected institutional outcome:  This policy will permit the University to accommodate its operating needs, while still being sensitive to employee safety and travel during emergency situations.

Applicability of policy:  This policy applies to all employees of the University's Storrs based campuses.

 Policy statement:

Storrs:  The decision to close, delay opening, or release early at the Storrs campus and/or to alter schedules due to adverse weather or emergency conditions shall be made by the Provost and the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, after consultation with the Director of Public Safety, who shall consult with Facilities, Police and Fire Departments.  In the absence of the Provost or Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the decision shall be made by his/her designees.

Regional Campuses, the Law School and Other Programs:   The Regional Campus Directors and the Dean, with the approval of the Provost or his designee, shall make decisions regarding cancellations, early release, or delays at the regional campuses and Law School. Special programs and events sponsored by the Center for Continuing Studies, Athletics, Jorgensen Auditorium, etc. may be cancelled at the discretion of the program's director.  Procedures for disseminating closing information for the regional campuses and other programs are the responsibility of the directors and the Dean.

 Instructions on procedures to notify employees regarding University closings, recording of attendance and related information is available at:  http://www.hr.uconn.edu/emerg_closing_proc.html 

Revised:  October 2009