Weather-related Changes in Scheduled Operations

Published October 29, 2014 This content is archived.

If conditions become so severe that the University at Buffalo (UB) cannot operate effectively, UB's president (or designee) may make a decision to change scheduled operations resulting in class cancellations, early departure for nonessential employees or, in rare cases, a closing. Only the governor can officially declare that UB is closed.

Related Links

The university takes very seriously its obligations and its commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for our students and other members of the university community.  There may be instances when conditions require a change in scheduled operations resulting in class cancellations, an early departure, or a closing.

Services related to the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and guests, and the security and maintenance of facilities are essential and must continue in spite of severe conditions. The University at Buffalo requires scheduled operations to be continued as long as possible, essential University services to be maintained, and University employees to remain on duty when necessary to perform essential services even under extraordinary circumstances. 

The decision to change scheduled operations resulting in class cancellations, an early departure, or a closing is based on various factors including:

  • local weather conditions
  • local safety conditions
  • travel bans/restrictions implemented by Erie County, the Town of Amherst, and/or the City of Buffalo
  • ability to provide bus transportation within and between the campuses
  • ability to keep the campus roadways and parking lots open
  • directives issued by the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations.

There may be instances when conditions require a change in operations for only one campus (North, South, or Downtown). In addition, there may be instances when Erie County, the Town of Amherst, and/or the City of Buffalo implement travel bans/restrictions but the University decides not to change scheduled operations.

A change in scheduled operations including class cancellations, early departure, and closing announcements will be made using a variety of communications methods.