What to expect with inclement weather (e.g., significant snow and ice).

In general, weather reports will be monitored, and a decision will be made in advance whenever possible. However, sometimes a same-day decision is necessary. Any decision to close the physical office and shift to remote operations will be made by the Director and and work on an all-or-nothing basis. If the office remains open and an individual is not scheduled for remote work, they should plan to report in-person.

If widespread snow or ice creates hazardous commuting conditions for staff and students, operations will shift to remote until conditions improve. Factors considered may include light rail disruptions, suspended bus routes, more than an inch of snow, or ice that poses a safety risk on campus. The decision is based on practical impact, particularly whether snow and ice accumulate and stick. Staff are encouraged to plan ahead and take home any necessary materials, like your laptop, in advance of forecasted inclement weather.

Advisers are expected to contact any students scheduled for in-person appointments to switch to remote meetings. When possible, an announcement will be posted to the website home page and advising page to inform students of changes to drop-in or in-person services. Weather impacts will be tracked using sources such as the Seattle Times, National Weather Service, Sound Transit, and King County Metro.

If conditions warrant, a decision regarding next-day operations will typically be made by 8:00 p.m. the prior evening. While the University of Washington may not suspend campus-wide operations, the office will make independent decisions based on local conditions and the feasibility of remote work.

If snow is forecast to arrive during the day, early closure may be implemented to allow staff to commute safely. Every effort will be made to communicate such decisions in a timely manner.

if preferred, staff may also choose to use personal time off to take a traditional “snow day”.