Canceled vs. closed: Winter weather policies

Snowy Campanile

Photo by Bob Elbert.

When the weather outside is frightful, be prepared with this guide to university policies and procedures for severe weather events.

Severe weather policies and information

Cancellations and closures

For information on cancellations and closures, check the:

Where to park

If your usual parking lot hasn't been cleared of snow by 7:30 a.m., parking will be available first at:

  • Iowa State Center (lots A3, A4, B5 and B6); CyRide will shuttle drivers to campus via the free orange route
  • Lots 29 and 30, north of Molecular Biology
  • Lot 41, north of General Services Building

If classes are canceled, but the university is not closed

  • University offices will remain open
  • Employees who can't make it to work should contact their immediate supervisors
  • Employees may request to make up the time, use vacation or take leave without pay
  • Staff covered by AFSCME should refer to language in the severe weather part of the contract

If the university is officially closed

  • Classes are canceled and most university offices are closed
  • Vital operation areas (for example, police, parking, food service, power plant, animal care, critical maintenance or snow removal) generally are not closed; employees should follow specific policies established for those areas
  • Staff covered by AFSCME should refer to language in the severe weather part of the contract
  • Employees who are unsure if they should report to work should communicate with their supervisors
  • Some staff members whose offices are closed may elect to work regular hours, with supervisor approval