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Type: University Policy
Division: Public Safety
Classification: FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Contact Phone Number: 503-838-8481
Contact Email Address: safety@wou.edu

TITLE
Inclement Weather
POLICY NUMBER
FA-07-007
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER	UNIVERSITY CONTACT
Vice President for Finance and Administration	Campus Public Safety
SUMMARY
The purpose of this policy is to inform university employees about how and when decisions will be made to open/close campus in the event severe weather conditions require a decision to close campus or delay classes or other operations.
APPLICABLE TO
WOU faculty, staff, and students
DEFINITIONS
Campus Closed: Campus is closed for business and classes canceled. Campus Open/Classes Canceled: Campus will remain open because conditions in Monmouth are minimally impacted by weather conditions while conditions in commuter areas are more severe. Essential Employee: Employees designated by position description to report to work in the event of campus closure to maintain minimum levels of service. Essential employee names must be on file in the Human Resource Office. Opening Delayed: Campus will be opened for business/classes after a brief delay. This is generally when reports suggest that conditions will improve within a brief period of time.
AUTHORITY
DAS Policy 60.015.01: https://www.oregon.gov/das/policies/60-015-01.pdf University President: http://www.wou.edu/president/index.php ORS 240.145(3): http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/240.145 ORS 240.551: http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/240.551
FULL STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY
POLICY STATEMENT  It is the policy of Western Oregon University to remain open unless it is determined that safety is compromised by adverse conditions or lack of utility services. Essential facilities such as the Residential Service Center, Residence Halls, Valsetz Dining Hall, 24-Hour Computer Lab in Hamersly Library, and Public Safety will be open even though classes are canceled. In certain circumstances with approval of the President or President’s designee(s), other buildings may be open.   If the campus remains open but faculty are unable to hold classes due to their inability to travel to Monmouth, they will notify the office of their division chair. The deans' offices will maintain a master list of canceled classes. Students are expected to check their university email for information regarding cancellations of classes and ongoing updates.  PROCEDURES  Notification of campus closure will be sent via email, text message, posted on the WOU Inclement Weather web page at wou.edu/inclement-weather and public announcement to the local news media. Campus closure/cancellation information may also be accessed by calling the Campus Closure Line at 503-838-8026 or text 503-838-8481 for those who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Notices will be sent no later than 6:30 a.m. daily.   1. Beginning in the early morning, the university administration will begin to assess local and regional conditions with Campus Public Safety, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation and local Polk County Road department to determine the following: a) Open campus with classes open or canceled b) Delay opening for a designated period c) Close campus 2. In addition to campus emails and text messages, the Marketing and Communications Department will put inclement weather notices on social media platforms and notify the local TV and radio stations.  3. Facilities Services employees will begin de-icing, snow removal, etc., as soon as possible.   4. In the event that an employee is scheduled for work but determines they cannot safely travel or report to work, the employee will communicate with their supervisor and report their absence according to the terms of the appropriate labor contract or Conditions of Employment. Occasionally, the Governor will declare an emergency and close all state offices immediately. In this event, those employees who reported to work will be paid for the entire workday.  5. Any exceptions to the closure will be announced by the University.  6. The Campus Public Safety office is open 24 hours. If you have an emergency, or need additional information or assistance, you may contact them at 503-838-9000.  7. It is the responsibility of each employee and student to read their emails, check their text messages, and look on the website to receive closure or opening information. Campus closure/cancellation information may also be accessed by calling the Campus Closure Line at 503-838-8026 or text 503-838-8481 for those who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing.
REFERENCED OR RELATED POLICIES

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND LINKS
Receive inclement weather notifications by signing up in the WOU Portal under “WOU Alert.”
HISTORY
APPROVAL DATE: 03/20/2024 EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/01/1990 LAST UPDATED: 02/27/2024 HISTORICAL DETAIL NOTES: N/A SOURCE: Previously Referred to as: PRE-FA-002
FOR POLICY WEBSITE INPUT (public audience keyword search)
Inclement Weather, weather conditions, campus closure