Under Condition 1, the University remains open, though certain services or operations may be limited. Current conditions may not pose severe safety risks, but weather or other emergency events may significantly affect commuting, campus services, or the efficient functioning of facilities.

Faculty, staff, and students should consider their own personal circumstances when deciding whether to report late, leave early, or not report to campus. Supervisors are encouraged to remain flexible in accommodating these situations.

For Students and Faculty

• Classes will generally operate on a regular schedule.
• Individual faculty members may use discretion to adjust class schedules or provide make-up work for students unable to attend due to weather or travel conditions.

For Staff (Non-Faculty) Employees

• Non-Mandatory Employees
  • After timely notification to their supervisor, employees may arrive late, leave early, or not report to work.
  • Time not worked must be accounted for by using available leave (vacation, bonus, or compensatory), by making up the time within 90 days, or by working remotely with prior supervisor approval.
  • Remote work may be approved when feasible and appropriate; however, such arrangements may not be possible for all positions or circumstances.

• For Mandatory Employees
  • Mandatory employees are expected to report to work as directed, even when the University is operating under Condition 1.
  • Supervisors may adjust work schedules or shifts as needed to ensure essential campus functions are maintained.
  • In rare cases, the University may temporarily designate additional employees as mandatory if conditions require additional on-site support.

Under Condition 2, the University is open only for mandatory operations. Classes are cancelled, and only employees who are designated as mandatory are required to report to or remain at work.

Safety risks or logistical challenges are significant under this condition, and campus presence is limited to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.

For Students and Faculty

• All classes are cancelled.
• Faculty are encouraged to communicate with students about any adjustments or rescheduling that may occur once operations resume.

For Staff (Non-Faculty) Employees

• Non-Mandatory Employees
  • Should not report to work and must leave campus if already on-site.
  • Time not worked must be accounted for using one of the following options:
    • Available leave (vacation, bonus, or compensatory time).
    • Supervisor-approved remote work (when feasible and appropriate).
    • Leave without pay.
    • Make-up time (subject to supervisor approval and to be completed within 90 calendar days of the event).
  • Employees already on approved leave during the adverse weather period must continue to charge the appropriate type of leave.
  • Compensatory time must be used prior to make-up time.
  • Make-up time is not subject to premium pay and may not exceed the number of regularly scheduled hours missed.
• For Mandatory Employees
  • Must report to or remain at work as directed, unless otherwise instructed by their supervisor.
  • Supervisors may adjust work hours or assignments as necessary to support essential campus operations.
  • In certain situations, the University may temporarily designate additional employees as mandatory to meet operational needs.

Leave and Time Reporting Guidance

Under Condition 3, the University is closed due to extreme adverse weather or emergency conditions. Classes are cancelled, and all offices and facilities are closed. Only employees designated as mandatory are required to report to or remain at work.

This condition is reserved for events that pose the most severe risks to health and safety or create major logistical challenges that make normal campus operations impossible. Examples include widespread power outages, severe flooding, structural damage, or other threats that significantly impact the safety of the campus and surrounding area.

For Students and Faculty

• All classes are cancelled.
• Faculty should resume communication with students once normal operations have been restored.

For Staff (Non-Faculty) Employees

• Non-Mandatory Employees:
  • Must not report to campus and must leave campus if already on-site.
  • Employees do not need to use personal leave during Condition 3 closure.

• Mandatory Employees:
  • Must report to or remain at work as directed, unless otherwise instructed by their supervisor.
  • Supervisors may modify work schedules or assignments to maintain essential operations.

Note: Condition 3 represents a rare circumstance within the UNC System and is only declared when conditions present significant, widespread threats to safety or campus infrastructure.

Ģ����ý communicates all weather-related updates through:

• BulldogAlert (text, voice, and email notifications)
• Campus email
• Homepage
• Official social media accounts

Keep your contact information updated in to receive emergency messages promptly.

Winter storms can bring snow, freezing rain, and icy conditions to campus.

• Monitor University updates for schedule changes or delays.
• Use caution on steps, sidewalks, and parking lots.
• Wear shoes with good traction and take extra time to travel safely.
• Avoid unnecessary driving — road conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Tip: Keep an emergency kit in your car during winter months with a blanket, flashlight, water, and snacks

Tornado Watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to form.

• Stay alert and monitor BulldogAlert, campus email, or local news.
• Review where your nearest safe location is — preferably a basement, interior hallway, or room with no windows on the lowest floor.
• Avoid large open areas such as gyms, auditoriums, or cafeterias.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar in the area.

• Immediately seek shelter indoors in the lowest level of your building.
• Stay away from windows, glass doors, and exterior walls.
• If you are outside or in a vehicle and cannot safely reach a building, find a low-lying area such as a ditch and cover your head.
• Remain in shelter until you receive an “all clear” from BulldogAlert or emergency personnel.

Remember: Tornado warnings may come with little notice. Keep your phone charged and alerts turned on.

While Asheville is inland, remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms can bring heavy rain, flooding, and high winds.

Before the Storm:

• Stay informed through BulldogAlert and local forecasts.
• Secure outdoor objects (chairs, umbrellas, signs, etc.) that could blow away.
• Have flashlights, batteries, and essential supplies ready in case of power outages.
• Supervisors and department heads should review continuity plans for remote work or campus closures.

During the Storm:

• Remain indoors and away from windows.
• Avoid unnecessary travel — roads may be blocked or flooded.
• Report flooding, power loss, or building issues to Campus Police at (828) 232-5000.

After the Storm:

• Watch for hazards such as downed trees, flooding, or fallen power lines.
• Follow official University updates before returning to normal campus activity.
• Use caution when walking or driving; do not enter standing water.

Important: Even after a storm passes, hazards may remain. Always wait for official clearance before returning to normal operations.

• Stay indoors during heavy wind, lightning, or hail.
• Move away from windows and unplug electronics when possible.
• Do not drive or walk through flooded areas — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
• Report unsafe conditions or damage to Facilities Management.

Mandatory Employees are those whose presence is required to maintain critical University functions during emergencies or adverse weather conditions. These individuals ensure that essential operations, such as public safety, facilities maintenance, student housing, utilities, and other critical services, remain available when the campus is operating under Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) or Condition 3 (Closure).

• During Condition 2 or 3 events, Mandatory Employees are expected to report to or remain at work, using sound judgment to ensure their personal safety.
• Supervisors may temporarily assign Mandatory status to additional employees if the situation requires expanded operational support.
• Non-exempt (hourly) Mandatory Employees may be eligible for Equivalent Time Off (ETO) when required to work during suspended or closed operations.

Non-Mandatory Employees are not required to report to campus when the University is operating under Condition 2 or Condition 3. During Condition 1 (Reduced Operations), they may choose to arrive late, leave early, or not report to work after notifying their supervisor.

• Non-Mandatory Employees must use available leave (compensatory, vacation, or bonus) for time not worked during Condition 1 or 2, unless their supervisor authorizes remote work or an executive order permits leave with pay.
• Supervisors are encouraged to approve temporary remote work when feasible and appropriate for the employee’s position.
• During Condition 3 (Closure), Non-Mandatory Employees are not required to use leave and should not report to or remain on campus.