Winter Weather Preparedness

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Though the official start of winter is still a few weeks away, Central New York has already begun to feel the effects of the season.

Frigid temperatures, snowy and icy roads, and strong winds can make the winter months particularly challenging. Though the University will, in general, remain open for business despite adverse weather conditions, the safety and well-being of our community members will always be prioritized when determining operating status.

The University works with an independent weather service, Precision Weather Service, to help us make 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. This information will be announced.

• via campus email;
• on the University’s campus Twitter account @SUCampus;
• on news.syr.edu and syracuse.edu; and
• via the Syracuse University radio station WAER-FM88 and other local media outlets.

Only Syracuse University’s Office of News Services is 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.

To learn more about winter weather preparedness, please visit the Department of Public Safety’s website.

Sincerely,

Michele G. Wheatly
Vice Chancellor and Provost

Tony Callisto
Senior Vice President and Chief Law Enforcement Officer