As UB heads into winter, a few friendly reminders

Yes, wintry weather is back in the forecast and so is UBNow’s annual reminder to the campus community should weather conditions turn severe.

 Here’s what you need to know:

• Weather monitoring. UB’s Office of Emergency Management monitors the weather, and when severe conditions are in the forecast, consults with UB’s Winter Weather Advisory roup. This cross-section of representatives from around the university will conference call as early as 5 a.m. to discuss whether conditions warrant recommending to the president that he cancel or delay classes and activities for the day. 

That recommendation is made after considering the regional weather forecast and road conditions; area travel bans and restrictions; capacity to clear campus roadways, parking lots and sidewalks; and the ability to provide bus service on and between campuses.

• Notification. If the decision is made to cancel classes, the UB community is primarily notified through UB Alert. Sign up, if you haven’t already. The system sends emergency texts to the cell phones to those who have signed up and emails to everyone who has a UB address.

Notification also will be made through UB’s social media, the 645-NEWS hotline and traditional media outlets.

• Canceled classes. Cancellation of classes due to inclement weather applies to classes that are in-person, as well as those that may be remote.

• Employee Information. When UB cancels classes and activities because of a snowstorm, employees who do not report for work must take vacation time or otherwise charge their absence to appropriate leave accruals. Employees may want to review procedures for cancellations and first consult with their supervisors.

Employees who provide essential services will be notified by their supervisors if they must remain at or report to work in the event of severe weather. Those who cannot safely get to work also must use vacation time or appropriate leave accruals.

• Wintry conditions. If classes and campus activities are not cancelled, but conditions may be inclement where you live, use your best judgment when considering traveling to and from campus, and communicate with your supervisor. Safety is primary.

Likewise, if classes are not canceled, but students are unable to get to campus safely due to the weather conditions where they live, students should notify their instructors. They will not be penalized if they cannot make it to class or a campus job because of severe weather. Faculty should provide reasonable accommodations for students who miss class, an assignment or exam because of hazardous travel conditions. Students, however, are responsible for making up the work in a timely fashion.

• Campus assistance. Motorists on campus who may need a jumpstart for their vehicle or help de-icing their car locks may contact the Motorist Assistance Program in Parking and Transportation from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (716) 645-3943.

If you see excessive snow that needs to be removed from a walkway or in front of a building entrance, contact customer service at (716)-645-2025.