As Central New York begins to see the first signs of winter, with cooler temperatures and fluttering snow, it is important for members of the campus community to be aware of how decisions are made and communicated in the instance of a change in the University’s operating status due to inclement weather.
The University is actively monitoring the snow forecast for the next 24 hours and does not anticipate any change in schedules.
Though the University will, in general, remain open for business despite adverse weather conditions, the safety and well-being of campus community members is always a priority when determining the institution’s operating status.
The University works with an independent weather service, Precision Weather Service, to help inform decisions about weather delays, closings or work-schedule changes. Input is also provided by the divisions of Campus Safety and Emergency Services and Campus Facilities, Administration and Services.
In the event of extreme weather and if a change in the University’s operating status becomes necessary, it will be announced via the University’s emergency broadcast notification system and will carry the notice SU WEATHER ALERT. Please be sure your Orange Alert settings are always up to date in MySlice.
SU WEATHER ALERT information will be announced via the following communications methods:
- via campus email;
- via text message;
- via a “crawl” on campus TV monitors and University websites;
- on Twitter: @SUCampus, @SyracuseUNews and @SyracuseDPS;
- on Facebook: @SUCampus, @SyracuseUniversityNews and @SyracuseDPS;
- on syr.edu and Syracuse.edu; and
- via Syracuse University public radio station WAER-FM/88.3 and other local media outlets.
Only Syracuse University’s internal communications and media relations teams are authorized to transmit to the news media and the campus community announcements about closings, work-schedule changes or class-start delays.
Although Syracuse University rarely closes for inclement weather, campus community members should be aware and take precautions when severe weather is in the area. If employees encounter weather conditions that could affect their safety when traveling to/from the University, they should use their judgment as it relates to their travel. Faculty and staff concerned about their safety should contact their department chair or supervisor, respectively.
For information on winter weather preparedness, visit the Department of Public Safety website.