Campus Closure
UNBC only interrupts regular operations under exceptional circumstances, if a hazard is posed to public safety or a State of Local Emergency is declared by local government. Campuses are rarely affected by extreme weather conditions. On occasion, however, it may be determined that some or all campus roads, buildings or grounds may not be safe for students, faculty and staff to travel to or remain on campus. Until the decision to close campus is announced, the University is considered open and operations continue.
A campus closure is defined as suspension of services to students and all activities with the exception of essential operational services. These include but may not be limited to, security, certain physical plant operations, caring for animals, and services related to student residences.
Snow or extreme weather
The facilities department operates a snow-clearing plan that prioritizes the order in which snow and ice is cleared around campus. They monitor weather forecasts throughout the winter in order to plan their response every 24 hours. Although crews continue to work throughout the day it is the responsibility of all faculty, staff and students to arrive on campus prepared for inclement weather. This includes allowing extra travel time, wearing suitable clothing and appropriate footwear for the conditions as well as keeping to crosswalks and pathways.
The Facility and Safety departments take into account Environment Canada weather information as well as the road conditions and the ability of the local government and highway contractors to maintain roadways for the continuation of transit services before recommending to the President that a campus be closed. As a general rule, if local government services are operational and Transit service is running, the University as a public body remains open. All employees are expected to report for scheduled duty even though travel to and from the University may be difficult.
Closure Notification
Any closure notification will be communicated through push notifications on the UNBC SAFE app, UNBC home page, social media channels (twitter, Facebook) and by notification to local radio and TV media outlets.
