95.21 - University Closures
Owner:
- Position: Public Safety and Security Executive Director
- Email: campus-security@uidaho.edu
Last updated: February 13, 2024
A. Purpose. This policy describes how the University may close its facilities in the event of a reported emergency or a weather-related emergency, or if an emergency situation appears imminent.
B. Scope. This policy applies to all University of Idaho facilities, sites, and campuses.
C. Definition of essential personnel. UI employees designated by unit administrators to be critical to the continuation of key operations and services in the event of a suspension of operations.
D. Policy. When conditions necessitate, a university facility may be closed or its opening delayed. The decision to close or delay opening a university facility is at the discretion of the President or designee. In the event of a university closure, only designated essential personnel will be allowed to remain on campus or occupy a closed university facility.
D-1. Supervisor jurisdiction. Individual units do not have independent authority to make decisions concerning University facility closures, postponements, or cancellations; however, supervisors do have the authority to approve requests from employees who request absence or early release with the use of annual leave or comp time (if applicable) from work due to severe weather conditions. See FSH 3470.
D-2. Emergency closure leave with pay. When the President, or designee, makes a decision to close, cancel classes, or postpone opening any University facility, emergency closure leave for the affected employees (nonessential personnel) will be determined pursuant to FSH 3470 and 3710 as applicable.
D-3. Locations other than Moscow. At locations other than Moscow, the location executive officer or designee will make a recommendation to the President or designee to close the facility. After approval, the executive officer or designee will contact UI Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS) OPSS and provide information on the nature of the event, affected locations, recommended actions (closure, delayed opening), duration of action, and any other relevant details.
a. Coeur d’Alene (CDA) campus. University of Idaho CDA facilities may be closed due to a North Idaho College (NIC) closure. In the event of a NIC closure, the CDA executive officer or designee will notify the President or designee and OPSS.
b. Idaho Falls (IF) campus. University of Idaho IF facilities may be closed due to an ISU-Idaho Falls (ISU) closure. In the event of an ISU closure, the Idaho Falls executive officer or designee will notify the President or designee and OPSS.
c. Co-located UI offices. University of Idaho offices co-located with federal, state, or county offices may be closed due to a building closure. In the event of a closure, the UI executive officer at the co-located facility or designee will notify the President or designee and OPSS.
D-4 Consideration of conditions. A decision to close a University facility may be based on any or all of the following factors:
a. Weather information gathered from official weather reports and forecasts. In most cases, University facilities will not close for winter conditions unless there is a severe weather event or hazardous conditions.
b. Relevant guidance from city, county, regional, and federal and state authorities.
c. Advice from local police and county sheriff’s departments surrounding the affected campuses and facilities.
d. Consultation with UI Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS) and Facilities Services.
D-5. Alerts and notifications. In the event of a decision to close any university facility, employees and students will be notified of the closure by the University’s Vandal Alert Notification System. Additional information related to the emergency and facility closure updates, leave information, and contact information, will be posted on the University’s home page.