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2025-winter-weather-preparedness-campus-operations

Winter Weather Preparedness and Campus Operations

Dec. 4, 2025

Dear Spartans,

With December upon us and colder temperatures already setting in, we want to share important reminders about winter weather safety and provide resources to help you stay informed.

Please bookmark the Office of the Executive Vice President website which provides winter safety tips, guidance on navigating weather conditions, and information about operational changes during severe weather events.

Any changes to university operations are only made under defined circumstances; cold weather, by itself, does not warrant class cancellations or operational changes. During an emergency the university may decide to move to modified operations. Modified operations mean there is an official temporary suspension or delay of university operations due to severe weather, major utility failure, or other unusual circumstances which may endanger students and/or employees. For additional information about the modified operations policy, please visit our FAQ page and review the policy and related FAQs.

There are thousands of students on campus who require residential services as well as research projects and critical infrastructure that require constant monitoring. Because of this, it is vital that MSU maintains critical services to ensure the safety of staff, students, and faculty. We encourage everyone to take precautions, look out for one another, and support your fellow Spartans whenever possible during winter weather events. Please familiarize yourself with the winter weather safety reminders below.

Stay Informed

  • Emergency Notifications and Updates: If weather causes an alteration in university-wide operations, MSU DPPS will utilize the MSU Alert system to notify you in multiple ways including, phone, text, e-mail, SafeMSU App, social media and website posting. Local news outlets will also share major updates to operations.
  • MSU Alert Contact Information: Take a moment to review and customize your notification preferences at the alert.msu.edu website. Staying informed is essential during inclement weather.

Campus Operations and Communications

  • We encourage leaders to approach these situations with empathy and flexibility. Remind employees and students to use good judgment when assessing travel and personal circumstances.
  • If an employee cannot report on-site, work with them to determine the most suitable options, which may include remote work (where feasible), adjust responsibilities, or utilizing available leave in accordance with their classification and applicable work rules. Apply these decisions consistently and fairly.
  • For academic continuity, instructors are encouraged to communicate expectations clearly while offering flexibility and understanding for students who may face challenges due to winter weather. Please follow established course policies regarding attendance and make-up work, and consider reasonable accommodations to support student success during these circumstances. 
     

Safety and Support

  • Review and share winter safety tips, including guidance for traveling and being outdoors in severe conditions. Bookmark the winter safety tips page for resources, including safety tips, supervisor guidance, and operational updates.
  • Plan ahead, stay informed, and support one another during winter weather events. 
    In the event of severe weather, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety will let you know if there are significant changes to university operations. We wish you a safe and successful end of the semester.

Sincerely,

Laura Lee McIntyre
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Vennie Gore
Executive Vice President for Administration