Twin Cities Campus

Typical Class Cancellation / Reduced Operations / Campus Closure decision times

1. Change in operations starting at normal business hours

   The decision and announcements are to be made as early in the morning as possible, preferably by 6:00 a.m for cancellation of classes, reduced operations, or closing. The typical duration for this decision will be 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The second and third shifts will report to work as scheduled or will report at the end of the closure / reduced operations if it overlaps the shift, unless specifically notified otherwise. Evening classes and programs will be open unless the announcement or subsequent announcements specify that they will be included in the closing or reduced operations.

2. Change in operations after normal business day has begun

   To the extent possible, two hours of lead-time will be provided in order to organize transit services. Units notified of a cancellation of classes, reduced operations, or closing by University Relations are asked to assist in communicating announcements in whatever ways they can. Midday changes will be communicated in a variety of means as appropriate, including but not limited to tone alert radios, email, text message alert (SAFE-U), and postings on the University website.

3. Change in operations during evenings and weekends

   The decision to cancel classes, reduce operations, or close should be made by 3:00 p.m. for evening classes and by 6:00 a.m. for Saturday classes.

Official Announcements

All official University announcements will be made exclusively through University Relations, the University of Minnesota Police Department, or Emergency Management.

University Relations is responsible for notifying the community and the public, if the decision to cancel classes, reduce operations, or close the Twin Cities campus is made.

Announcements will, to the extent possible, specify the starting and ending times of the change in operations, and whether the change includes specific University services, events, and evening or Saturday classes and programs.

Internal communication: University Relations will use a variety of communications methods as appropriate to communicate, including but not limited to email, postings on the University website, tone alert radios, and text message alert (SAFE-U).  Calling University offices will not guarantee that the latest or most accurate information is provided to the caller.

External communication: University Relations will notify all appropriate media outlets.

University Relations will telephone the following University offices as soon as possible after a decision to cancel classes, reduce operations, or close is made:

• Board of Regents
• President
• Vice Presidents
• University Admissions
• Intercollegiate Athletics
• University Operator

It is the responsibility of these offices to notify subordinate units and offices not listed above.

The President will be briefed by the Officer of the Day prior to a decision to close.

Special Situations

Certain major public events (such as those sponsored by Intercollegiate Athletics or the Department of Concerts and Lectures) are not automatically canceled during reduced operations.  In the event a determination to reduce operations is made, event sponsors must contact Emergency Management once the announcement is made so that a list of such events may be compiled for review by the Officer of the Day (OOD).  The OOD’s decision related to the status of the event in light of the change in operations will be communicated by University Relations internally and externally.

Reduced operations does not apply to the M Health public clinics and hospitals unless a specific announcement is made regarding those facilities.