During inclement weather, the Office of the Provost, in consultation with University Police and Facilities Management, determines whether classes will be delayed, canceled or held as scheduled. When inclement weather occurs overnight or in the very early morning, the decision concerning classes is usually made and announced by 6 a.m. The decision to cancel evening classes, which are those classes that begin at 6 p.m. or later, is usually made and announced by 3:30 p.m. Unexpected snow or ice and worsening weather conditions can alter these timelines.
Schedule Changes
Adverse Weather Guidelines for University Employees
To see Human Resources policies that apply when campus operations and work schedules are affected by adverse weather or emergency events, consult the Adverse Weather Guidelines.
Notifications
Late starts and class cancellations are announced on the UNC Asheville website homepage with a notification stripe, and an email announcement and text message are sent to students, faculty and staff through Bulldog Alert. You can confirm that you are signed up to receive Bulldog Alert messages at bulldogalert.unca.edu.
Winter Weather Safety Tips
Winter storms are know as deceptive killers because they cause power outages, downed tress, traffic jams and accidents that leave lasting impacts. Most deaths are not directly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads or of hypothermia from lengthy exposure to cold. There are 3 simple steps to get ready for a winter emergency:
- Have a plan
- Have an emergency supply kit
- Have a way to access up-to-date information
Basic winter safety tips
- Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
- Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep any electric generators OUTSIDE and away from any open windows or doors to prevent deadly carbon monoxide fumes from poisoning your family. Never burn charcoal indoors.
- Keep fresh batteries on hand to use with flashlights and weather radios.
- Always keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food in your home.
- Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing to stay warm.
Drive Safely
- If you must travel during a winter storm, store an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes: blankets, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, battery booster cables and flares, a tire repair kit and pump, a road map, a sack of cat litter (for tire traction), a tow rope, bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods such as granola bars, extra clothing to keep dry, and a windshield scraper and brush. Here is a winter driving supply checklist.
- If driving on snow- or ice-covered roadways, reduce your speed. Driving at the regular speed limit will reduce your ability to control the car if you begin to slide. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.
- If conditions worsen and you can no longer drive safely, pull off the highway.
- Stay calm and remain in your vehicle.
- Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.