UW-Madison officials release winter weather and closure guidance

UW–Madison Sets Winter Storm Protocols as Unseasonably Warm Fall Fades

As unseasonably warm fall temperatures give way to the looming threat of snowstorms, University of Wisconsin–Madison officials have released official guidance reminding students, faculty, and staff of the institution’s protocols for handling inclement weather and campus operations, the university reported.

The university’s baseline policy during major storms is straightforward: remain open and maintain instruction whenever possible. Classes proceed as scheduled, campus buildings and offices keep regular hours, and vital operations like University Housing and food services run uninterrupted. Unless specific instructions dictate otherwise, employees expected on site must report for duty.

Navigating Employee Safety and Essential Functions

When severe weather hits, staff members are urged to prioritize personal health and safety through individual travel discretion. Workers who run late or cannot make it to campus must notify supervisors promptly. Under university guidelines, employees who judge travel unsafe face no disciplinary action for missing work, though supervisors can direct them to work remotely, adjust their schedules, or take appropriate leave.

Supervisors must also grant reasonable requests from staff seeking to arrive late or depart early as conditions deteriorate. However, certain critical operations—such as animal care, research, or residence life—remain essential and cannot be suspended.

The Chancellor’s Sole Authority on Campus Closures

Individual colleges, schools, and divisions possess no independent authority to close. Only the chancellor—or an authorized designee—holds the power to cancel classes, shut down public buildings, or suspend campus services, while also determining which core infrastructure functions must keep running regardless of the storm’s severity.

UW-Madison officials release winter weather and closure guidance

For operations located outside the City of Madison, deans and directors are required to obtain authorization from the Office of the Chancellor before sending staff home or instructing employees to stay away due to severe weather or facility closures.

Official Channels and Real-Time Weather Updates

Any modifications to standard campus operations or weather-related closures will be posted directly on the UW–Madison homepage at wisc.edu, alongside official campus social media platforms. Supervisors are expected to stay in close communication with their teams during these events to offer specific operational direction.

For broader travel conditions, the university directs the community to consult commercial weather applications, the National Weather Service, or 511 Wisconsin. Individuals with specific inquiries can consult their HR representative or review the complete Inclement Weather or Emergency Condition Policy.