In preparation for the winter season and the increased likelihood of inclement weather, the U of A would like to remind the campus community of its updated inclement weather policy.

If normal operations are disrupted or on-campus classes are canceled due to inclement weather, a WxAlert (weather alert) emergency notification will be sent to the campus community via all available channels — email, voicemail and text message (for those who have provided a cell number in UAConnect or Workday).

In most cases, an inclement weather event is forecast in advance, allowing representatives from the U of A Police Department, Facilities Management, Parking and Transit, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, Associated Student Government, University Relations and the Provost's Office to meet and discuss if and when the university may operate under inclement weather procedures. When operations are impacted, the university will make every attempt to notify campus of those decisions as soon as possible.

To receive text messages related to emergency alerts, including WxALERTS, students, faculty and staff must provide their cellphone numbers in UAConnect or Workday. Alerts will also be sent to university email addresses, and the messages will be posted on the university homepage.

How might classes be impacted?

If the university decides to shift to inclement weather operations, on-campus classes will not meet in person. However, instructors may conduct classes virtually using Zoom or other synchronous delivery methods. Instructors will decide whether to continue their classes synchronously or provide class materials asynchronously and will communicate expectations to their students.

Additionally, instructors may not penalize students who miss a virtual class due to inclement weather. They must allow students the opportunity to make up work due when on-campus courses are canceled and may not administer examinations when the university has shifted to inclement weather operations. Online courses continue without interruption.

More guidelines regarding on-campus class cancellation are available on the campus safety website.

What services will be available?

Since many students reside on campus, certain services will continue to operate or remain open with reduced hours when the university has shifted to inclement weather operations. Those services include University Recreation, University Dining, the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library. Campus tech support and Blackboard Support will also remain available during their regularly scheduled hours by chat, phone or email during inclement weather operations. Information regarding these services and reduced hours due to weather will be posted on their respective websites and at safety.uark.edu.

How will staff be impacted?

If the university decides to shift to inclement weather operations, university staff designated as weather essential should report to work as regularly scheduled, unless directed otherwise by their supervisor. 

When the university has shifted to inclement weather operations for the entire day, all employees not designated as weather essential are to work remotely, if possible, to continue the vital operations of the university. Employees should check with their supervisors if they are unsure of their work status or what duties are considered vital during inclement weather procedures. No remote work is expected after an early dismissal or before delayed start. 

Listen to the weather forecast

• Local stations include KNWA (www.nwahomepage.com), KFSM (www.5newsonline.com) and KHOG (www.4029tv.com)
• Listen for wind chill warnings. Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected. Wind chills are what it actually feels like outside on your skin.

Dress Warmly

• Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. Inner layers could include thermal underwear, wicking clothing, runner's tights, etc. 
• Wear a hat and mittens/insulated gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask to protect your lungs.
• Wear warm and waterproof footwear that are flat and have good traction. 
• When it is very cold or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Your body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the quickest.

Seek Shelter

• When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.

Stay Dry

• Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
• Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

Keep Active

• Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

Be Aware

• Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems.
• The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to the cold.
• Watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.

What is hypothermia?

• Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature.  
• Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and loss of muscular control (i.e. difficulty walking).
• It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness. Cardiac arrest can occur.

What to do:

• Get medical attention immediately by calling 911.
• Lay the person down and avoid rough handling.
• Get the person indoors.
• Gently remove wet clothing.
• Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.

What is Frostbite?

• A more severe condition where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen.
• Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.
• No sensation - the area is numb or tingling.

What to do:

• Frostbite can be serious and can result in amputation. Get medical help!
• Do not rub or massage the area.
• Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
• Warm the area gradually, use body heat or warm water. Avoid direct heat, which can burn the skin.

For more guidance on inclement weather operations and on-campus class cancellation, view the full inclement weather policy.

---

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.