Snow Closure / Cancellation Policy

The philosophy of Thomas More University is that classes will be held except under extreme adverse conditions. We realize that there are times when road conditions on campus are acceptable, yet travel from some parts of the Tri-State area may be inadvisable. We expect individual students, faculty, and staff to make whatever decisions are necessary for their own safety.

If conditions are questionable, University officials will attempt to make a decision by 5:00 a.m. as to whether or not to hold morning classes or close the University. If conditions change during the course of the day, decisions on later classes will be made as early as possible typically by 3:00 p.m. Thomas More University’s snow closure and cancelations policy do not apply to online courses.

With all decisions, announcements will be made through the University’s Emergency Notification System (text and voicemail), an all-campus email will be sent out, messages sent through the Thomas More official social media outlets and announcements on local television stations. The Thomas More Home page will be updated as soon as a decision is made or updates occur during the day.

Athletic Events and Special Events will be addressed separately by those overseeing the event. They will use the website, email, social media outlets and television to communicate the plans.

Changes to an announcement will be made in a timely fashion and updates sent to all faculty, staff and students. If classes are delayed a specific starting time will be identified in the announcement. All classes held prior to the indicated start time will be cancelled. Faculty will need to determine the process for making up the work scheduled that specific day and communicate that to their students immediately upon return.

Types of Announcements include:

• University Closed – indicates only essential staff report.  Essential staff includes Aramark Food Service, Aramark Grounds and Maintenance, and Office of Campus Safety.
• University is Delayed opening – indicates only essential staff report, everyone else please stay home until designated time when classes will resume.

The process for determining what the campus will do regarding Severe Winter Weather will be made by the Vice President of Academic Affairs with consultation of Director of Facilities and Director of Campus Safety.