During periods of inclement winter weather, UGA follows a set procedure for announcing operational changes.
By policy, the university makes one of three announcements: UGA is open and operating on a regular schedule; UGA is closed; or UGA will delay opening until a specific time.
An all-campus email through ArchNews is the primary means to distribute such announcements. The announcement also is posted to the UGA home page (www.uga.edu).
Announcements also will be posted to Twitter (@universityofga and @UGAEVENTS) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/uga.edu and https://www.facebook.com/UgaToday). Up-to-date information is provided to Athens radio stations: AM 960 and 1340; and FM 88.9, 90.5, 91.7, 97.9, 98.9, 100.1, 102.1, 103.7 and 106.1.
Information is posted on WUGA-TV and University Cable Channel 15, which also is carried on channel 15 of the cable system serving Clarke and Oconee counties. Athens radio stations are used primarily because they give priority to UGA announcements where Atlanta stations cannot. Atlanta TV and radio stations that have requested to receive UGA weather announcements also are notified, but should not be considered a primary source for closing announcements.
If inclement winter weather develops overnight, attempts are made to post announcements and notify media by 6:30 a.m., but if the inclement weather develops after 6:30 a.m. on a school/work day, the same notification procedures are used.
When weather conditions are such that closings occur two or more days in succession, the procedure is followed each day, with an announcement being made each day by 6:30 a.m. An evening announcement usually will not be made for the next day except in the most extreme weather circumstances.
On days when UGA generally is scheduled to be closed (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), the university does not usually make blanket closing announcements. Departments and units that have normal operations on weekends and holidays, or units planning to host or present special programs on those days, should make their own prior arrangements with employees and participants, notifying them how to proceed in case of inclement weather.
When UGA officially is closed, it is closed for everyone: faculty, staff and students. Departments will designate in advance those expected to report to work during a weather emergency.
Announcements for weather closings at UGA campuses in Buckhead, Gwinnett, Griffin and Tifton are handled by those campus administrators separately from the main campus announcements.
