Campus Closure Policy

Effective:ÌýMarch 29, 2026

Approved by: Justin Schwartz, ChancellorÌý

Policy Owner: Vice Chancellor for Public SafetyÌý

Policy Contact: Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety OperationsÌý

Applies to: Staff, faculty, studentsÌý

I. Introduction

The Campus Closure Policy establishes academic and operational impacts for campus closures due to inclement weather or other emergencies and is applicable to all students and employees at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder).ÌýÌý

Circumstances that may require a campus closure include, but are not limited to, inclement weather, floods, fires, chemical spills, air pollution advisories or other similar disasters, and acts of violent crime, terrorism, or other major threats to community safety.Ìý

II. Definitions

Administrative closure: CU Boulder administrative operations are closed for a designated period. During an administrative closure, essential and critical services personnel may be required to work or remain on campus to perform essential and emergency services. An administrative closure may be issued in conjunction with any other type of campus closure.Ìý

Campus closure: Refers to a delayed start, early closure, class cancellation, or administrative closure. Critical infrastructure and research will continue to be supported in the event of any type of campus closure.ÌýÌý

Class cancellation: All CU Boulder in-person and remote (synchronous) classes are canceled for a designated period. A class cancellation may be issued in conjunction with an administrative closure.Ìý

Delayed start: All CU Boulder operations, including, but not limited to, classes, events, facilities, venues and administrative operations open later than the normal start time.Ìý

Early closure: All CU Boulder operations, including, but not limited to, classes, events, facilities, venues and administrative operations close prior to the normal closure time.Ìý

Essential and critical services personnel: Eligible classified staff and university staff positions that perform law enforcement, housing, food services, physical plant operations, snow removal or other services directly necessary for the health, safety and welfare of CU Boulder’s students, research operations and community. These positions can be required to work or remain on campus to perform essential and emergency services without delay or interruption during campus closures. For full definition, see: /hr/essential-and-critical-services.Ìý

III. Policy Statement

When academic or administrative operations at CU Boulder are impacted by inclement weather or other emergencies, CU Boulder may initiate a campus closure. During a campus closure, the safety of CU Boulder students and employees is paramount. At the same time, CU Boulder has important research, teaching, service, and outreach missions, and must maintain continuous and effective business operations with essential and critical services personnel. With due consideration for safety, CU Boulder will remain open and operate normally to the greatest extent possible. CU Boulder employees and students should evaluate their own circumstances carefully, exercise appropriate judgment and take responsibility for their safety when making decisions during a campus closure.ÌýÌý

The chancellor or the chancellor’s designee will determine if CU Boulder has any type of campus closure and whether there are any exceptions to the campus closure. Under the Inclement Weather Policy for the State of Colorado, each university establishes its own inclement weather policy. Therefore, CU Boulder campus closure decisions may differ from those of other state institutions of higher education or state offices. Employees and students are expected to comply with instructions provided by the CU Boulder administration.ÌýÌý

In anticipation of a closure, departments may choose to provide overnight accommodation for essential and critical services personnel. If an employee chooses not to use the accommodation and cannot travel to campus, they may be subject to disciplinary measures.ÌýÌý

IV. Roles and ResponsibilitiesÌý

All roles and responsibilities in the event of a campus closure are included in the Campus Closure Procedure.Ìý

V. Procedures

  1. Campus Closure Procedure

VI. Related Policies, Forms, Guidelines and Other ResourcesÌýÌý

VII. HistoryÌý

  1. Adopted: June 25, 2015Ìý
  2. Revised: March 29, 2026; December 17, 2021Ìý
  3. Last Reviewed:ÌýMarch 29, 2026Ìý