The following message is from the Office of University Communications:
UMW Campus Community,
We want to remind campus about the potential for winter weather and resulting changes to campus operations and the class schedule. In the event of inclement weather that impacts normal operations at UMW, we’ll communicate to the campuses (Fredericksburg, Stafford, Dahlgren) via email and post updates to the UMW website, umw.edu. We also will update the University Information Line, which can be reached at (540) 654-2424. You should check these communication channels as your first source of information, as updates to external sites, social media and traditional media are secondary and may be delayed. Severe storm updates will come from the National Weather Service via text messages in UMW Alerts, but you’ll need to check email for changes to class schedules and campus operations.
Changes to campus operations and class schedules are not sent via UMW Alerts unless it’s an emergency or urgent situation. You will need to check email and the website for updates during winter weather.
Every effort will be made to post an inclement weather announcement by 6 a.m. on the day of closing or delayed opening. A decision about evening class changes will be made by 3 p.m. on the day in question if possible. A class schedule delay or cancellation includes all modalities of classes – in-person and online. When UMW campuses are closed for inclement weather, public events are also canceled during that time.
Where to Find Additional Information
Even when campus is closed and classes are canceled, many campus services remain open and accessible to students, but may modify hours or services depending on the situation. UMW Police and Public Safety remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Please check the following for updates:
- UMW Dining on Facebook or join the UMWFoodies by texting 82257.
- Campus Recreation with updates posted to Instagram
- Hurley Convergence Center (HCC)
Snow emergency parking regulations may also be implemented. In most cases, these regulations go into effect when there is a threat of snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, or ice and begin at 10 p.m. preceding forecasted inclement weather or as otherwise announced. Note that if parking access is closed due to an icy hill, such as road to the Alvey Deck, there is access via Sunken Road.
Planning for Changes in Operations
Students and employees should assess the weather conditions in your location. If campus continues normal operations, but you are impacted by weather and road conditions in your area, please contact your instructors and supervisors with any changes to your schedule and to make arrangements for missed classes or work.
During inclement weather that impacts campus and results in a change to campus operations, employees who can work from home (telework) should do so.
Those unable to work remotely should contact your supervisor for options:
Supervisors will add Emergency Closing Leave, as necessary, to timecards of non-essential fulltime and quasi-fulltime employees who are not able to telework.
- If an employee has the means to telework but chooses not to, another leave type must be requested. (For more information on leave, supervisors should check the MyTime Supervisor Manual.)
- Employees who are designated as essential and required to work on campus during authorized closings are paid their regular rate of pay for hours worked and granted compensatory leave for the hours worked. For some inclement weather events, Facilities Services Alternate Shift Pay Policy E.1.3 may be in effect for employees engaged in snow/ice removal working outside their normal schedule.
- Please check with your supervisor if you are unsure of your designated employee status. Supervisors are reminded to communicate with employees regarding expectations during changes to campus operations for inclement weather.
For more information, please visit https://www.umw.edu/news/information-hotline/.
Thank you for preparing for winter weather and staying informed.
