Unpredictable weather and work

April 17, 2019

Tori Tragis

Winter isn't over yet! Make sure you have warm gear in your vehicle and other safety items you might need if you are caught in the elements. Be sure to give yourself extra travel time to and from your destination, and have emergency contact numbers with you as necessary.

In case of inclement weather, UAF posts campuswide alerts at http://uafalert.alaska.edu, on the UAF hotline at 474-7UAF (7823), and via @UAFairbanks on Facebook and Twitter. These are the official channels UAF will use to notify you for class cancelations or for other weather-related instructions.

When there are extreme weather conditions, employees should use their own judgment about whether they need to change their work hours to travel safely between work and home. Employees have the option of taking appropriate leave or working an alternate schedule approved by their supervisors. Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible with employee schedules as needed. Contact Human Resources with questions about leave at 474-7700.

Faculty who are unable to make it to class should alert their students and coordinate with them on alternative options. Likewise, students should notify their professors if they cannot attend.

If your cell phone is listed in UAOnline, you are automatically enrolled to receive text messages from Rave Mobile Safety. UA students and employees who don’t have text-capable phones will still get messages via email and voice message at the email addresses or phone numbers listed in UAOnline.

Current students and employees can check their contact settings via uafalert.alaska.edu. People not directly affiliated with the university but who would like to receive weather and emergency notifications (e.g., parents of students) can also sign up there. The page includes additional information about how the university communicates during emergencies and is a good site to bookmark for updates.

new policy (04.06.141) is the weather closure policy for areas outside of the Fairbanks campus. The weather has been more than unpredictable over the last several years, leaving many guessing as to what they should do or when they should proceed to campus or their work location. This policy is intended to provide clear guidance to all faculty, staff and students.