Campus leaders at West Virginia University remind students, faculty and staff that as temperatures fall and the possibility of inclement weather increases, they are to exercise caution and use personal judgment before venturing out. 

“As always, the safety of our faculty, staff and students remains a top priority,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Maryanne Reed. “We urge faculty to notify their students in advance if they intend to cancel class and to be accommodating to students who live off campus and have far to travel. We don’t want anyone taking unnecessary risks.”

Reed reminded faculty that they should promptly notify students if they need to cancel class.

“Students should inform and work with their instructors and work supervisors regarding expected absences due to weather,” said Dean of Students Corey Farris.

Any decision to cancel classes – or to close the University or a divisional campus or office – will be made after several University officials have discussed conditions of campus roads and grounds, as well as conditions in the vicinity.  

A declaration of a weather emergency by the governor does not automatically close WVU campuses or offices.

In the event of delayed or cancelled classes, while the University is still open, many units will remain operational, including dining and residence hall services, roads and grounds crews, libraries and others. These units are reminded to review their emergency internal operating procedures.

“When winter weather hits, the Roads and Grounds team goes above and beyond to ensure the sidewalks and roadways are clear and safe for our campus community,” said Jamie Kosik, associate vice president of Facilities and Services.

“While we work tirelessly during this time, we do ask everyone to be especially careful during winter weather events and allow plenty of time to get where they are going,” Kosik said.

If officials do decide to cancel classes or close the University, students and employees will be informed through many outlets, including:

·      WVU Alert

·      wvu.edu

·      safety.wvu.edu

·      students.wvu.edu

·      MIX e-mail and Unews (for students) 

·      enews.wvu.edu and MOUNTAINEER E-News (faculty and staff)

·      wvutoday.wvu.edu

·      Traditional and social media such as @WVUToday, @WVUDOT and @WestVirginiaU on Twitter or WVUMountaineers on Facebook. 

Read about WVU Tech’s Inclement Weather Delays/Closure Policy.

Read about Potomac State College’s policy. 

WVU Extension Service will follow its internal inclement weather policy.