Nov. 6, 2024
Contact: Hannah Wichern, WichernH@missouri.edu
It’s time to begin preparing for the possibility of severe weather. If weather conditions dictate, the university may shift to remote working and learning to reduce interruptions.
This means faculty members who have scheduled classes on days when campus is physically closed or has limited in-person operations will be expected to engage their classes in remote learning. The format of this learning is at the discretion of the faculty member (e.g., holding a synchronous Zoom class meeting; assigning readings or other assignments to be completed asynchronously). Instructors should proactively communicate expectations with their students now to avoid any confusion if their class is moved to remote operations because of adverse winter weather.
Staff who aren’t required to work on campus during a weather event will be expected to telework. Supervisors are responsible for coordinating alternative work plans with their employees. When there is sufficient forewarning of severe weather, this planning includes being prepared to bring home any items (e.g. laptop) necessary for remote work.
MU will stay open whenever possible for business and on-campus instructional activities during severe weather. On those days, employees and students are expected to exercise judgment when deciding if they can travel safely to campus. Each individual’s circumstances will be different; therefore, it’s important that supervisors and instructors facilitate conversations to determine what options exist for members of their teams or classes in the event some individuals cannot make it to campus.
Employees will fall into three categories during a severe weather event:
- Staff who aren’t required to work on-site and will telework from home or another location. Staff who are not able to telework during remote operations must use their available accrued leave (personal, vacation or paid time off).
- Staff who are non-exempt (hourly) and are required to work on-site may be eligible to receive premium pay; those who are required to work on-site and choose not to must use their available accrued leave (personal, vacation or paid time off).
- Staff who cannot carry out their duties through telework and who are instructed that they are not required on-site to work will be compensated.
If there is a change in campus status due to severe winter weather, the university will:
- Issue an MU Alert, triggering a text message to all registered cellphone numbers and an email to the campus community.
- Post information to the Mizzou homepage.
- Post information to Mizzou’s social media channels.
- Inform local media outlets.
- Strive to provide campus status by 6 a.m. on severe winter weather-affected weekdays.
Visit MU Alert to learn more about the university’s severe weather policies and find links to status updates from MU Health Care hospitals and clinics, the Veterinary Health Center, the MU Student Center, Ellis Library, Student Recreation Complex, Campus Dining Services and other campus departments. Some of these areas may continue in-person operations even when the campus has shifted to remote work and teaching, so please look for updates. These are the only official sources of closure information.
Be sure you are signed up for MU Alert. A text message is the fastest way to receive alerts about emergencies and campus closings.
Editor's note
Faculty and staff should reach out to their HR professional if they have questions about these policies. Employees should check with their supervisors who will identify those needed to fulfill duties on campus during a severe weather event. More information on MU’s campus closure policies can be found on the UM System website.
