Emergency Closing Procedure

The university is normally open during periods of ordinary seasonal inclement weather. Faculty and staff must assume responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as for their class or work responsibilities. While this frequently requires a delicate balance, each individual must be the ultimate arbiter of whether to travel to Ohio University under varying conditions.

An emergency closing of the university will be implemented only under severe and extreme circumstances. All employees are expected to report to work unless they specifically hear otherwise, and every effort will be made to maintain classes. However, when weather conditions and/or a declared state of emergency due to other factors warrant, there may be a delay in the opening of the university, cancellation of classes, or an emergency closing of the university.

The decision to close for a full day or to delay the opening of the university until midday (12:30 p.m.) should be made by 5:00 a.m. The decision to close from midday through evening classes will be made before noon, if possible. If the need to close is identified during the day, the decision will be communicated throughout the campus and through the designated media. A campus closing notice will also be prominently displayed on the Ohio University main Web page, www.ohio.edu. If the decision is made to close the campus, all employees and non–resident students will be notified by university officials to leave the campus.

Note: In the event that an evacuation of the campus is necessary, all personnel will be expected to assist in helping students and other faculty and staff to leave the campus. See Evacuation Procedures.

For information during an emergence or to find out if the University is closed, visit www.ohiou.edu/emergency.