Inclement Weather and other Emergencies

Closing of the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) or Cancellation of Classes or Activities Due to Inclement Weather or Other Emergencies including such things as: fire, tornado, bomb threats, other serious problems related to mechanical or electrical systems, or any other extremely hazardous situation in or around the campus.

Terminology and Definitions

Closing the University: To cease all operations for UMR, other than those operations deemed essential to the protection of life and property. Closing UMR results in the cancellation of classes, student and staff activities and meetings. All general offices are closed.

Delayed Opening: Refers to opening of all operations at a later time, other than those operations essential to the protection of life and property

Cancellation of Classes (off-campus or on-campus): Means to cancel one, several, or all classes, in the absence of officially closing the entire UMR

Cancellation of Non-Academic Activities: Refers to the cancellation of an event such as athletic events, theatrical productions, concerts, or workshops

Procedures and Notification

If a weather emergency situation develops, University officials will contact local authorities, including the Minnesota State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement offices to assess the severity of the storm. Once the information has been collected, the UMR Chancellor or designee will make the determination on whether to cancel classes or to close the University.

Turn on Your Radio and Television

Whenever possible, the decision to close the University, have a delayed opening, or cancel day classes, will be made prior to 6:00 a.m. Special attention will be given to night classes; many of these students travel considerable distances. Whenever possible the decision to cancel evening class will be made by 3:00 p.m.

Local radio and television stations that will be contacted are: KLCX, KLSE, KMFX, KNXR, KOLM, KRCH, KROC, KWEB, KWWK, KYBA; KTTC-TV, FOX 47-TV and UCR Channel 20.

Other Notes

If a student is still in question about whether the campus is closed or classes are cancelled, they may call the UMR switchboard at 507-280-2838. A message will be recorded on the answering machine to inform employees and students of the status, and plans for the following day if available.

Please keep this in mind: The decision to attend or not attend classes when weather and road conditions are questionable should always be made in terms of what is best for your personal safety. Weather and road conditions 75 miles west of Rochester can be much different than the conditions 75 miles north, south, or east of Rochester.