Dear Members of the Campus Community,
Campus is currently open and running on a regular schedule. We are continuing to actively monitor the situation and will adjust as necessary. Please let the following serve as an overview of our Inclement Weather Policy for campus.
With due consideration of safety, the university will remain fully operational to the greatest extent possible. As a residential college, Puget Sound does not “close” for inclement weather, but occasionally modifications to classes and operations are necessary.
The university’s Inclement Weather Policy provides information about decisions to modify classes and operations and we encourage you to familiarize yourself with it. The policy has been updated to reflect the university’s online and remote work capabilities and continues to recognize that certain necessary staff members are needed on campus during periods of modified operations due to inclement weather to provide essential support for campus residents and provide critical campus services.
Department heads: You are responsible for making clear which staff will work remotely during any weather-related modified operations and which staff are needed on campus to provide essential services. Please communicate departmental plans for continuation of operations/services with your team members. (Remember to communicate with student staff members as well).
Staff members: If you are uncertain whether you are authorized to work remotely or are considered “essential” during modified operations due to weather, please contact your supervisor or department head. Note that Human Resources does not maintain a list of essential personnel and cannot advise you on whether to report to work. Which positions are considered essential can vary by the time of year and nature of circumstances, and is determined by each department head in consultation with the provost or area vice president. Essential services personnel should report for their regularly scheduled shifts or modified shifts approved by their supervisor. As always, if you are unable to work, contact your supervisor.
Faculty members and students: If a determination is made not to hold in-person classes, faculty have the option of holding an online class session for the in-person course. Class sessions for online courses may be cancelled at the faculty member’s discretion. Faculty are responsible for notifying their students that an in-person class will be taught online or that an online class will not be held.
Weather emergency notification: University decisions about modified operations for any given day will typically be made as close to 5:30 a.m. as possible, and may subsequently change as conditions change. No announcement means the university is on its regular schedule. Announcements regarding modified operations will be communicated on the university’s website (www.pugetsound.edu) and campus emergency information line (253.879.4900). Information may also be communicated via local news outlets, campus email, text, and/or social media. We strongly recommend relying on the university website for the most current and accurate information. (Inclement Weather Quick Guide)
Safety precautions:
- Please use sound personal judgment in deciding whether to come to campus based on your local weather, road conditions, and personal circumstances.
- Dress appropriately, avoid or exert extra care in navigating icy pavements, and be mindful of hazardous conditions when driving.
- As always, if you experience or become aware of a health/safety emergency on campus, please contact Security Services (253.879.3311) or call 911.
Sincerely,
Stacy L. Kelly (She/Her/Hers)
Chief Risk Management Officer