Weather Emergency Closure/Delay

Welcome to DU’s weather emergency page.

Most likely, you are here because you received an alert from the University, indicating that the campus is closed, has a delayed opening, or will have some other weather-related schedule modification for today. This page is intended to provide additional information beyond the original message received.

Updates

Guidance

• Students in Residential Housing – Cold Weather

  Students in residential housing, please: 

  • Close your windows as pipes could freeze and/or break, which could lead to leaks or floods.
  • Report concerns with pipes and/or leaks by contacting Facilities (303-871-2200). For after-hours concerns, connect with Campus Safety at 303-871-2334.
  • Reach out to the Housing Office at 303-871-2246 or housing@du.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

  If you are outside during the storm, please pay close attention to your surroundings and walk around campus carefully. The anticipated weather conditions will likely include slippery walkways and, potentially, falling branches and/or debris. 

• Hazardous Conditions

  In the event of hazardous driving conditions, DU encourages students, faculty, and staff to be careful and allow for extra time when traveling to and around campus. 

• Snow Clearing

  The safety of our community is our top priority. For those residing on campus, please be aware that Facilities Management snow removal protocol prioritizes ADA access routes. This snow clearing map provides information on those locations to better assist you as you navigate the campus. Learn more about Facilities Snow Removal Plan & Policy here. 

   

  La seguridad y salud de nuestra comunidad es nuestra prioridad principal. Para aquellos que están residiendo, por favor estén conscientes que el protocolo de remoción de nieve de la Administración de Comodidades da prioridad a rutas de acceso de ADA. El mapa de remoción de nieve proporciona información sobre las locaciones para mejor asistir a la universidad. Pueden obtener más información sobre el plan y policía de Remoción de Nieve aquí. 

• When Local School Districts Are Closed

  We understand that local school districts may close when adverse weather conditions or road conditions are present. Per DU policy, employees responsible for the care of their dependents may stay home with them. We encourage employees to do their DU work from home to the extent it is possible. This will not result in the taking of a forced sick or vacation day. 

  Under this policy, staff members who need to stay home while the University remains open must notify their supervisors—as opposed to request permission—to do so. Faculty members unable to make it to campus for exclusively face-to-face classes must contact their departments to arrange for alternative teaching coverage. 

• Ritchie Center Operations

  For information on Ritchie Center operations, please visit ritchiecenter.du.edu. 

• Ricks Center For Gifted Children

  Ricks Center closure information will be sent via a message from the Director in order to best plan for student, staff and family safety.

• Fisher

  Fisher will follow the Denver Public Schools’ operating status and will be closed when Denver Public Schools are closed. 

• Activities

  When the University of Denver is closed, activities are also cancelled. If exceptions are made, it will be on a limited and case-by-case basis. Activities allowed to operate will be listed in the “Updates” section on this page. 

• Community Commons

  The Community Commons makes every effort to open for normal business hours for dining. Please check the “Updates” section to see if they will have limited hours during this particular instance. If no updates are listed, The Community Commons will be open for dining, operating under normal hours. 

• University Shuttle Operations

  When the University is closed, the shuttle does not operate. 

• Online Course Policy

  When the physical University of Denver campus is closed and on-campus classes are canceled because of dangerous conditions resulting from weather, natural disaster or other emergency; University of Denver online courses will continue as normal. If the instructor’s or student’s ability to continue class because of the dangerous conditions or closure, they should adjust their courses per normal division guidelines. 

• Essential Employees

  Each division and office of the University is responsible for identifying employees who are essential and are required to report to work despite a campus closure or class cancellation.  

• It Is a Difficult Decision

  There are several factors that go into determining when to delay the opening of campus or when to close campus altogether. In many cases, there are several factors that go into the decision such as prior, current and future weather conditions, road conditions, the ability for staff and faculty to travel to and around campus, and other considerations that may be unique to each situation. DU’s leadership team and Campus Safety take seriously these decisions and spend a great deal of time assessing the many factors that go into making these decisions.