SUBJECT: Inclement Weather Procedures

Dear UM-Dearborn Community,

With winter approaching, this message is a reminder of our campus's inclement weather procedures for reduced operations or closures and how these decisions will be communicated.

When overnight or early morning weather suggests the possibility of reducing in-person operations, the provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, in consultation with the vice chancellors for business affairs and external relations, will make the decision to pivot to online classes and remote operations.

Winter storms can be difficult to predict. Every effort will be made to determine whether on-campus operations need to be reduced by 11 p.m. the night before the predicted weather event. If a decision cannot be reached by that time, the decision will be made by 6 a.m. on the day of the weather event.

Decisions regarding reduced on-campus operations will be communicated via social media channels and posted to the university website. If no such communication or announcement appears on the main webpage, the campus will operate on its regular schedule (the university will NOT communicate when the campus will be open).

During severe weather events that necessitate reduced on-campus operations, we ask the faculty to be prepared to move classes online. Classes will continue remotely and will NOT be canceled. Faculty should notify students through Canvas about expectations and any modified plans for the day.

Some additional considerations:

• When the decision is made to reduce on-campus operations, public safety will activate the emergency notification system (ENS). Supervisors should reach out to their staff regarding remote working expectations.
• When a daytime reduction in operations is deemed necessary, information will be shared with deans, directors and department chairs/heads, who will then notify their faculty, staff and students regarding the closure. A ENS will then be sent to the entire campus.
• When a decision is made to reduce on-campus operations on a Saturday or Sunday, the directors (or their designees) of the Mardigian Library, Information Technology Services, Renick University Center and the Fieldhouse will be notified. The director or designee will notify their staff regarding the closure.
• UM-Dearborn essential staff members who are typically required to work during a reduction of operations or campus closure will be notified by their supervisors. With regard to a reduction in operations unrelated to weather - such as a power outage - essential staff typically required to work will be notified by their supervisors.

A thorough review process is followed to determine if a reduction in operations is necessary. Although every effort is made to keep the university fully operational during regular instructional hours, ultimately the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff is at the center of the decision to reduce campus operations.

Wishing you a safe winter season.

Ghassan Kridli
Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Bryan Dadey
Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs

Casandra Ulbrich
Interim Vice Chancellor for External Relations