Dear Campus Community,
Happy new year! As we embark on the winter term, I am writing with a reminder of how the campus may adjust operations in the event of severe weather. It’s important to be prepared, so please review this information on how the university communicates weather-related closures and schedule changes.
The university may close, delay opening or close the campus early in the event of extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow or significant freezing rain. This decision will be made based on the severity of the weather, the potential impact on campus operations and the safety of our students, faculty and staff. We prioritize the safety of our community while doing our best to minimize impacts on the academic and research enterprise.
Notification Procedures
The best way to receive inclement weather notifications directly is to make sure you are signed up for UMD text alerts.
Updates regarding UMD’s closures, delays and other schedule changes will be announced through various channels, including:
- UMD Alerts via text message and email
- UMD homepage (umd.edu)
- Twitter/X (@President_Pines, @UMDRightNow and @UofMaryland)
- UMD Snowline (x5-SNOW or 301-405-7669)
The university will not make an announcement if the campus is open and operating under normal operations. Every effort will be made to communicate changes to campus operations by 4:30 a.m. Local media outlets often cover changes to university operations; however, for the most up-to-date information, please check the university sites listed.
Campus Impact and FAQs
When the university is closed, all classes during that time are canceled, and all university offices and non-essential services are closed unless specifically noted. For students enrolled in Winter Session 2025 courses only, additional weather-related guidance and procedures are provided.
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on umd.edu/weather, including information regarding:
- Availability of student services during a closure
- Class schedule impacts
- Definitions of weather-essential employees
I would like to extend a special thanks to our weather-essential staff who make sure we meet the needs of our on-campus Terps during a severe weather event. Wishing all of you a safe and healthy winter in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Jennifer King Rice
Senior Vice President and Provost
She/Her/Hers