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Campus Closure

We prioritize the safety of students, faculty, and staff while minimizing disruptions to academic and operational functions. This page provides guidance on what to do during closures and delays and resources to help you prepare for potential disruptions. 

Your Safety Comes First

PSU makes decisions based on conditions impacting the broader campus community. Conditions at your home may vary, so assess your situation before coming to campus. If PSU is open, campus community members are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of coming to campus, based on your individual circumstances. Consult with instructors or supervisors as needed. Instructors and supervisors are encouraged to remain flexible with those who choose not to come for their own safety.

Only come to campus if it feels safe for you.

  • Stay Informed: Confirm your PSU Alerts opt-in preferences for timely emergency notifications.
  • Be Prepared: Review Campus Emergency Procedures for hazard-specific guidance, including winter weather, extreme heat and flooding.
 

How PSU Makes Closure and Delay Decisions

In the event of inclement weather or other hazardous conditions, the Incident Management Team (IMT) will evaluate the situation and make a decision by 6:30 a.m. about whether to suspend operations, modify operations or operate on a delayed schedule. The team strives to provide at least 2 hours’ notice before any operational change, unless there are imminent health or safety risks on campus. 

Key Factors We Consider:

When deciding whether to close campus, several key factors are considered to ensure the safety and well-being of the PSU community.

  • Weather conditions (current and forecasted)
  • Road conditions and public transit availability
  • Availability of essential staff and campus services to make campus safe
  • Campus and regional impact, including utility disruptions

Ultimately, the decision comes down to this: Can a majority of our community safely travel to, navigate and leave campus?

Local School and Childcare Closures

PSU’s decisions are based on campus conditions, which may differ from those affecting local schools or childcare centers. Schools often have built-in snow days and consider factors like children waiting outdoors in extreme weather. While PSU may remain open, we understand closures can impact families. Work with your supervisors and instructors if you cannot come to campus.

How Campus Closures and Delays May Impact Operations

This section summarizes the possible responses to campus closures, the impact on operations and the rationale behind each change. 
 

CAMPUS STATUS

OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONAL IMPACT

RATIONALE

Open

PSU campus remains open, but some services may operate on a modified schedule or with limited service.

Campus impact is minimal or manageable, and is safely accessible for normal operations.

Closed

  • Non-essential campus buildings and operations are closed.
  • Essential services* open but may have limited operations 
  • In-person classes, programs, events and activities scheduled for that day are canceled unless specifically approved in accordance with campus policies.
  • Online classes, programs, events and activities may continue at the organizer or instructor’s discretion.
  • Private businesses may stay open at management discretion.

Campus cannot be safely prepared for the day, and conditions are expected to persist or worsen as the day progresses. 

Delayed Opening

  • Non-essential campus buildings and operations operate a modified schedule, and open when campus reopens. 
  • Essential services* open but may have limited operations.
  • In-person classes, activities, events and programs scheduled to begin before the delayed campus opening time are canceled; those scheduled to start after the delayed opening time proceed unless noted.
  • Online classes, activities, events and programs may continue at the organizer or instructor’s discretion.

Campus cannot be safely prepared for normal opening time, but is expected to be safe at designated delayed opening time. 

Early Release

  • Non-essential campus buildings and operations end at the specified campus closure time.
  • Essential services* open but may have limited operations.
  • In-person classes, activities, events and programs end at the specified campus closure time; those scheduled to start after the early closure time are cancelled.
  • Online classes, activities, events and programs may continue at the organizer or instructor’s discretion.

Campus conditions during the business day are expected to create hazardous travel or other safety concerns.

* Essential services are determined at the departmental level on a case-by-case basis and typically include public safety, on-campus housing, University Place Hotel and other employees identified to support campus response. 

Note: For more detailed guidance on specific department operational status, refer to the detailed Campus Closure Guidance table later on this page.

How You’ll Be Notified

Campus community members should assume that PSU is operating on a normal schedule unless they receive an official message. PSU will not issue a notice stating normal operations. PSU will notify the community of unplanned closures and delays through:

Opt in for the PSU Alerts text option for the fastest way to receive updates. Note: voice call alerts were discontinued in October 2024 following campus feedback.

 

Campus Closure Guidance for Students and Employees

This section provides detailed information on how campus closures impact different groups (students, employees), with specific guidance for each department and service.

Disclaimer: Campus closure details may change based on evolving campus conditions or other factors. Always check the official closure message, PSU website, and department-specific pages for the most up-to-date information and specific guidance related to your classes, campus services, and work expectations.

FOR STUDENTS 

CLASSES, ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

  • In Person: Cancelled 
  • Online: May continue at instructor or organizer’s discretion. Check your syllabus or other communication means for more information. 
  • Hybrid: Follow in-person and online guidance based on the day’s schedule.
  • Finals: in-person exams will be rescheduled or alternatives will be identified by the instructor.
  • Review Registrar’s attendance policy. Check your syllabus or class communication channels for updates.
  • If campus is open but campus conditions prevent attendance, contact your instructor.

CAMPUS EVENTS / ATHLETICS

  • On campus events/ games canceled unless approved in accordance with University procedures.
  • Practices are canceled unless coaches notify participants otherwise.

CAMPUS SERVICES

All campus buildings will be closed unless otherwise noted below or in official University messaging. 

  • Campus Public Safety (CPSO): Open
  • University Place Hotel: Open. The hotel offers an emergency stay policy for PSU faculty, staff, and students. Departments can arrange stays for essential staff, and individuals facing life/safety issues can inquire directly. For more information and required documentation, contact University Place Hotel at 503-221-0140.
  • Housing (UHRL): Open, including RAs on Call and Service Desk.
  • Dining: Reduced operations (Victor’s Dining Hall will be open).
  • Parking: Open (except rooftops); Secure facilities limited to permit holder access only (FAB, PS3, UCB); payment required all days (including during closures) except official holidays.
  • Office of Information Technology (OIT) Helpdesk: Closed, online support materials available at pdx.edu/technology/support.
  • Student Health and Counseling (SHAC): Limited availability—check SHAC page after 9 a.m. for available services and alternate resources for those not available.
  • Student Academic Support Services (Learning Center): Limited remote availability - check SASS page after 9 a.m. for available services.
  • Registrar: Typically closed. Check Registrar page for updates.
  • Student Financial Services and Financial Aid Office: Typically closed. Check Student Finance page for updates. Tuition due dates remain unchanged during weather closures. Payments can be made online. If you usually pay in person and are affected by a closure, Student Financial Services may waive late fees as a courtesy.
  • Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU): Closed. May remain open before and after closures to provide a safe space for those with transportation challenges. Services and events provided in SMSU are also closed.
  • Library: Closed. Books due on a closure day are automatically extended to the day campus reopens.
  • On Campus Childcare: Closed. Hours may differ if campus is open. Updates will be sent to enrolled parents via email. 
  • Campus Rec: Closed. Hours may differ from campus status. Check Campus Rec page for status.

OTHER FACILITIES

  • Non PSU Businesses / Organizations Working in PSU Spaces: Open at business management discretion (e.g., PSU Bookstore, restaurants, OHSU, PCC, City Archives).
  • Robertson Life Sciences Building, Vanport Building & Other Shared Facilities: May remain open, but PSU classes held there are canceled.
  • Facilities Outside Downtown PDX Campus: Operations vary based on local conditions. Consult your supervisor, instructor, or campus point of contact for guidance.

FOR EMPLOYEES 

Employees should be familiar with work expectations prior to a campus closure. In advance of, during and after closure events, communicate with your supervisor and your team to determine how closures may impact your work. Not everyone will be able to travel safely to campus in inclement weather. Employees should use their best judgement to assess the risk of traveling to work, based on their individual circumstances, and should work with their supervisors on any schedule or work location changes. Additional information is available online on the following webpages - University Closure Policy annual Inclement Weather Notice. 

WORK EXPECTATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES

  • Non-essential employees do not report to campus. Employees scheduled to work remotely should refer to Human Resource’s University Closure Policy.
  • Essential employees: Employees who perform essential functions, such as responding to inclement weather or other critical functions under the university's closure policy are expected to report to work, and should work with their supervisors if they have concerns about traveling to campus. This commonly includes Campus Public Safety, University Place Hotel, Housing and other employees identified by supervisors supporting campus response. Supervisors of employees who perform essential service work are responsible for communicating attendance expectations in advance or as soon as possible and planning for any anticipated difficulties (transportation, childcare, etc.). 
  • Student workers employed by PSU should follow Employee guidance above.
  • Private businesses / non PSU employees working in PSU owned spaces (e.g., restaurants, dining services, OHSU, PCC) should check with their supervisors.
  • Facilities outside downtown PDX campus: Operations vary based on local conditions. Contact supervisor for guidance.
  • Post-Closure: HR will provide specific guidance for your employee group via email and on the Human Resources website about reporting hours and leave usage. 

CLASSES, ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

  • In Person: Canceled—release students immediately if closure occurs mid-class. No faculty or students should be on campus. 
  • Online:  May continue at instructor or organizer discretion. Contact your department for specific guidance. 
  • Hybrid: Follow in-person and online guidance above based on the day’s schedule.
  • Finals: The Registrar’s Office will reschedule in-person finals or instructors may provide alternative options.
  • For more, review OAI’s guide on teaching during disruptions.
 

Prepare for Campus Closures and Delays

Closures or delays can disrupt your schedule. Prepare in advance to stay safe and minimize disruption:

1. Get Informed

  • Sign up for PSU Alerts to receive notifications by email or text.
  • Review above Campus Closure guidance to understand what to do during a campus closure. 
  • Check the Emergency Procedures Page for how to respond to specific hazards.

2. Make a Plan

  • Commute to Campus?: Plan alternative transportation or routes in case of delays.
  • Students: Clarify the expectations with instructors: When are absences excused and not? How can assignments be made up? How will your faculty let you know if they are unable to meet the class?
  • Supervisors:
    • Clearly State Work Expectations - Notify employees (if any) performing essential duties of the expectation to report to work during inclement weather regardless of a university closure and make plans for any anticipating difficulties in reporting to work.
    • Communication - How will you communicate with employees during a closure? (a) Discuss how your team will contact each other (e.g., Google Chat, email, cell phone if necessary); (b) Maintain an up-to-date contact list.
    • Public Facing Communication - Responsible for a university service? Discuss how you will notify your clients of your status. 
  • Faculty: Give guidance to your students. How will campus closures affect assignments and deadlines? How will you accommodate closures? How must students communicate their inability to travel if campus is open? How will you let students know you are unable to travel?
  • Share Your Plan: Discuss closure or delay special considerations with your supervisors, instructors and family members.

3. Build a Kit

  • Ensure you have the necessary tools for remote participation and communication if necessary (internet, materials etc.).
  • Keep supplies at home (food, water, medications, flashlight).
  • Carry weather-appropriate gear and emergency supplies (traction devices, warm clothing, snacks and chargers for travel).

4. Build Community

  • Check on classmates, colleagues, and friends who may need assistance.
  • Share resources like rides, weather updates, or supplies.
  • Follow PSU social media to stay connected during disruptions.

Additional Resources