Policy Detail:

UWL has an inclement weather plan that provides guidance to the campus community when conditions make travel to and from campus treacherous or other events that cause serious safety concerns.

Additionally, the UWL inclement weather policy provides UWL employees specific guidelines to follow. Employees should follow the provision of the inclement weather policy if the campus has a need to implement the inclement weather plan. Details of the inclement weather policy are indicated below.

UW-La Crosse inclement weather policy

In accordance with Chapter 36, and delegated authority from the Board of Regents and the UW System President, the Chancellor has the authority to cancel classes, close all or part of the institution to the public, or completely close all or part of an institution to the public and employees. Where the health and safety of students, employees, or the public would be placed at risk or conditions prevent the normal operation or services of UWL, the nature and extent of any action to be taken will be determined by the appropriate administrator. The Chancellor will implement the institution’s inclement weather/emergency conditions policy including the approval protocol for emergency closure of specific buildings if necessary.

When the institution is not closed, employees are expected to report to work unless an absence or other arrangement is approved by the employee’s supervisor. Employees are expected to notify their supervisors if they cannot report to work or will report late. Supervisors may require the employee to make up lost time if required for the operation of the work unit.

When the institution is closed, most employees will be directed to not report to work. Employees at work when the institution is closed will be given the option of remaining at work or leaving their worksite, operational needs permitting. This applies to all employees except employees whose continued presence is required.

CLASSES: In-person and hybrid classes will be moved online whenever possible rather than canceled. If courses are moved online, individual instructors may need to cancel course(s) due to internet connectivity, instructor availability, or pedagogical issues. Fully online classes will be held whether or not the university closes unless canceled by the instructor. A decision to delay, move online, or cancel in-person classes scheduled during the regular Monday-Friday period will be communicated at least two hours prior to the start time for the first classes affected. 

University staff employees who do not report to work, report late, or leave work before the end of the work day because of weather conditions will be allowed to make up lost time during the remainder of the work week, as much time as is beneficial to the work unit. Make up time shall be at the regular rate of pay. University staff may also take leave without pay, vacation, personal holiday, or compensatory time to cover the absence.

Faculty/academic staff/limited employees may use available annual leave (vacation), ALRA, personal holiday, or leave without pay to cover inclement weather absences. An employee and the employee’s supervisor may agree that the employee can account for the time of the absence in another manner consistent with the professional nature of the employee’s work assignment.