University Photography

A snow scene at the Law School.

Before winter sets in, staff and managers should review their unit's inclement weather staffing plan, discuss how work will be conducted if Cornell suspends operations or if openings are delayed, and review where to get information about weather-related delays and closings.

"Supervisors and employees should discuss their respective needs related to inclement weather, including travel and family issues," said Mary George Opperman, vice president for human resources and safety services.

Opperman also said that everyone should have a personal emergency plan for themselves and their families, referring people to a government website for guidance.

Cornell's inclement weather policy states that the campus will close when Tompkins County roads are officially closed; campus will reopen when conditions are safe. Generally, Cornell remains open even when "avoid unnecessary travel" advisories are issued. Travel to and from work is considered necessary travel.

"The decision whether to close or delay the opening of the university takes into account such factors as weather forecasts, timing, road closures in Tompkins County and decisions by local transit providers," said KyuJung Whang, vice president for facilities services.

Employees should use their best judgment in deciding whether to travel to campus if conditions in their areas are dangerous despite roads being open, he said. Employees who do not report to work because of weather when the university is open are not required to provide advance notice to use vacation or personal-accrued times, as per the employee's choice. To avoid using such time, employees must make arrangements in advance to work at home or make up the time later in that pay period.

To learn about the status of the university in severe weather, check:

Cornell offers help to faculty and staff with short- or long-term mobility impairments who may have difficulty getting to or around their work site because of inclement weather. For more information, go to Disability Information online, call 607-254-7232 or email equalopportunity@cornell.edu.

University policy on inclement weather events can be found online.