Policy

The University of Oregon may change its operating status during and surrounding periods of inclement weather or, emergencies. When inclement weather occurs, geographic location and elevation can vary conditions significantly. The University of Oregon makes decisions based on its campus conditions, which may not be the same decision by nearby school districts, colleges or universities.

If a change in operating status is warranted, the university has three options: a delayed opening, early closure, or a full closure.

In the case of inclement weather or emergencies the following departments are considered essential[1]:

• Campus Planning and Facilities Management
• Safety and Risk Services
• Housing and Dining Services
• Information Services
• Research (e.g. Animal care facilities)
• UO Police Department
• Incident Management Team

_{[1] Equivalent units and functions on satellite campuses are also considered essential.} 

When it is possible to maintain safe operations, the Erb Memorial Union, University Health Center, and the Student Recreation Center may open and provide as many services as possible for the student population.: There may be some cases where departments other than those listed above provide essential services as well. 

Definitions

Delayed Opening: A university operating status based upon inclement weather or other emergency that cancels classes and events, and suspends all non- essential administrative and academic activities in the morning hours of normal operations.

Early Closure: A university operating status based upon inclement weather or other emergency that cancels classes and events, and suspends all non- essential administrative and academic activities in the afternoon and/or evening hours of normal operations.

Full Closure: A university operating status based on inclement weather or other emergency that cancels all classes and events and closes all university offices and departments, except select emergency and essential services.

Essential Services and Resources: Services and resources necessary to maintain health and safety and residential and research support functions on campus. Essential services are expected to continue even during delayed openings, early closures, and full closures. Departments and units with designated essential services and resources are responsible for developing their own protocol and procedures for maintaining their essential functions. 

Note that essential services and resources may depend on the nature and timing of the incident or emergency. Deans, Directors and Supervisors are responsible for communicating with staff about when their functions may be deemed essential. These conversations should occur before disruptions so that employees understand when they may be called upon as essential. 

Responsibilities

Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration (VPFA): Makes final decision regarding the operating status of the Eugene Campus and when to resume normal operations (unless otherwise identified below). The VPFA has the responsibility to evaluate extenuating circumstances and scheduled programming with input from the Incident Management Team for services and resources considered essential to fulfill operational needs. 

Oregon Institute for Marine Biology (OIMB) Senior Leadership: Makes final decision regarding the operating status of the OIMB campus and communicates that via appropriate channels. OIMB Leadership has the responsibility to evaluate extenuating circumstances and scheduled programming with input from the Incident Management Team for services and resources considered essential to fulfill operational needs. 

Vice President for Portland: Makes final decision regarding the operating status of the UO Portland and communicates that via appropriate channels. The Vice President for Portland has the responsibility to evaluate extenuating circumstances and scheduled programming with input from Portland campus CPFM and UOPD staff for services and resources considered essential to fulfill operational needs.

UO-Incident Management Team (IMT): Provides the command and control infrastructure that is required to manage the logistical, fiscal, planning, operational, safety and campus issues related to any and all incidents/emergencies. The IMT monitors the situation and advises the Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration when a decision regarding a change to the operating status is advisable.

Deans and Directors: Academic and administrative units shall abide by any decision made by central administration regarding operating status. If a unit cannot safely maintain operations, the Dean, Vice President, or their designee can choose to open later than the campus wide opening, close earlier than the campus wide closing, or fully close instead of delayed opening or closing early. Deans, Vice Presidents, or their designee are responsible for communicating their status to their own employees. This deviation from the campus wide status must be communicated to the Incident Management Team (IMT).  Ensure that potential essential functions have been identified and communicated to employees who perform them before disruptions occur. 

Special Situations

Supervisors and faculty should be reasonably understanding and flexible regarding a student’s or staff member's individual needs during inclement weather or an emergency, especially if the student or employee has a long commute to and from campus. A student, faculty or staff member who believes that it is unsafe to travel, or who is faced with unexpected family care responsibilities (such as those created by local school closings), should use their judgment and remain at home if that is the most prudent action.