As temperatures drop, the UD Office of Emergency Management (OEM) shares how decisions are made regarding delays or operational changes due to winter weather.

Decision process

Safety for students, faculty and staff is always the primary consideration for suspending or delaying classes and University operations. Factors that are evaluated include road and sidewalk conditions and regional closures.

Timing and communication

OEM staff will start to monitor weather conditions up to 72 hours in advance. If there is an indication that the weather may impact University operations, the Office of Communications and Marketing will begin sharing updates and University leadership will discuss contingency plans and the potential need for a delayed opening or closure.

Impact on classes

If there is a delayed start to University operations, any class that is scheduled to start before the campus is open will be canceled. For example, with a 10 a.m. delayed start, any class that starts at 9:25 a.m. is canceled for the day. If campus operations are suspended, all classes will be canceled or moved virtually from the time the closure takes effect until the University announces the resumption of full operations.

Safety first

Members of the University community are reminded that safety is UD's highest priority. Students and employees should not put themselves at risk. Students who are unable to get to campus because of the weather should contact their professors. Employees who expect difficulty traveling should contact their supervisors.

“Winter weather is something we can all prepare for ahead of time,” said Josh Kelly, director of emergency management. “Take a few minutes to download the LiveSafe App and follow the University homepage and social media channels for real time updates.”

For further information, please visit: https://www1.udel.edu/police/livesafe/