Inclement Weather Procedure

Southern Oregon University is committed to protecting the safety of staff, faculty, students, and visitors.  Severe weather conditions, especially during the winter, may bring about the curtailment of classes or daily on-campus work operations.  Similarly, wildfires can be a significant source of air pollution in the area and can pose a major health risk.

Please keep in mind that the decision to close a campus (Ashland and/or Medford) due to severe local conditions rests with the University President or designee and is determined after considering several factors (e.g. city alerts, national weather updates, road closures, traffic conditions, air quality levels, etc.).  As a residential and liberal arts institution, SOU has many functions that continue regardless of conditions. 

Staff who provide essential services (e.g. Campus Public Safety, selected FMP personnel, etc.) will be expected to report to on-campus work unless specifically notified otherwise by their supervisor.

In the event of extreme inclement weather/hazardous conditions, please follow these instructions:

• Check SOU Alerts.  In the case of an emergency, this mass notification system quickly sends alerts through email, phone, and text messaging.  To sign up or customize your notifications, click here.

• Check the SOU website at www.sou.edu.

• Understand the Temporary Closure or Curtailment of University Services Policy.

• Become familiar with the Wildfire Smoke Policy and keep up on air quality levels at https://aqi.oregon.gov/. Wildfires can be a significant source of air pollution in the area and can pose a major health risk. With the foliage that is present in our region, wildfires can occur and create an air quality hazard. The smoke from a wildfire compounding with the topographic nature of the area creates a bowl effect with the surrounding hills that prevents effective air movement. Smoke is made up of primarily small particles, gases, and water vapor, with trace amounts of hazardous air pollutants. The most harmful are the small particles, or particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, damaging lung tissue, and causing respiratory and/or cardiovascular problems. Symptoms from short-term smoke exposure can range from scratchy throat, cough, irritated sinuses, headaches, runny nose, and stinging eyes. Persons with asthma, emphysema, congestive heart disease, and other existing medical conditions can have more serious reactions.

• Review the Use of Leave During Campus Closures and its clarification for employees on previously documented and approved telecommuting agreements.
  • Call after 6:30 a.m. to confirm that the University will be open or closed.  For information regarding the Ashland campus, contact 541-552-7672.  For information regarding the Medford campus, contact 541-552-8100.  
  • Staff employees may be contacted by their immediate supervisor in the event of a closure due to inclement weather.  If the decision is made prior to the beginning of your regular work schedule, your supervisor will attempt to notify you as early as possible, but not later than 6:30 a.m.
  • Reporting to campus for work:  Employees of the campus community are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of coming to campus based on individual circumstances.  Employees should work with supervisors on any schedule changes.
  • Working remotely:  Employees who work remotely are expected to continue working as usual during periods of inclement weather. However, in the event that inclement weather disrupts one’s ability to perform their work remotely, they should contact their supervisor to discuss the circumstances and coordinate a plan.
  • In accordance with Article 58 Section 2 of the 2019-2021 SEIU collective bargaining agreement, closures and delayed openings due to inclement weather or hazardous conditions may be compensated with available inclement weather leave (LTW).  Classified employees scheduled and directed to work on-campus during designated paid inclement weather/hazardous conditions shall be paid at the rate of double time-and-one-half (LTW + 1.5 times pay for the 2.5 rate). 

• Tune in and listen to the following radio and TV stations to stay on top of the situation: