Weather delay and closing information

The safety of students, faculty and staff is the University's highest priority.

When severe weather threatens our ability to operate safely or when emergencies arise, the president (or their designee) will base their decision to delay or cancel classes, or close campus, based on information from these sources.

  • University Police will check the condition of campus sidewalks and parking lots.
  • City and county law enforcement agencies will report road conditions in surrounding areas and on the highways.
  • The National Weather Service, the Ohio State Patrol and the Summit County Sheriff may issue weather advisories that would inform our decision-making.

Possible closing options and what each means

CAMPUS CLOSED | All campus programs and services cancelled, including University Libraries

Exceptions:

  • Essential operations and services that support residential students will remain open.
  • Those who support residential students are to report to work at their regularly scheduled times.
  • Designated emergency personnel are to report to work at their regularly scheduled times.
  • Dining services would be open with some changes.
  • The Rec Center usually remains open—check its homepage for hours or cancellations.
  • E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall events and intercollegiate athletic events are often held when the University is closed. Personnel who work those events would typically report to work but should consult with their supervisor to confirm.

CLASSES CANCELED | The University would open, but classes would not be held. Employees are expected to report to work, and all departmental offices would be open.

As a reminder:

  • University Libraries, Dining Services, the Student Union and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center would be open.
  • Performances and athletic events would be held as planned.
  • All other programs and services would be open.

DELAYED START

  • At times, it may be necessary to delay the start of classes due to early morning weather conditions. When such a delay occurs, the start time for classes and labs will be communicated accordingly, as will instructions for when employees should report to work.

A decision to close or delay will be made as early as possible.

News of closing and delays will be disseminated several ways:

  • Text messaging: Alerts will be sent via the University's Z-Alert text messaging service. The quickest way to get you University advisories. Learn more and subscribe. 
  • UA Mobile App: Notifications are sent via the UA Mobile App. Learn more and download the app.
  • Website: Information will be posted on the University's website.
  • Email: A message will be sent to students' and employees' University email boxes.
  • Social media via X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
  • Radio and TV: Closing information will be provided to major radio and television stations in Akron, Canton and Cleveland.

Buchtel Hall on a winter morning.
Photo by @steveekaufman on Twitter.