University Closure Policy

Op3.29 University Closure Policy

When the university is closed or alters its operations due to an emergency or inclement weather situation, an official announcement will be issued through the news media (television and radio), Missouri State Alert, social media, and via the Missouri State homepage. When an official announcement is made, it will include the time frame to which it applies. It will also include whether classes are moving to remote learning and whether the offices are open or closed. Administrative services, marketing and communications, student affairs, the executive vice president, and the provost share responsibility for inclement weather procedures.

Unless and until an official announcement is issued, faculty members are expected to hold classes as usual, and non-faculty employees should assume that activities will continue as normal. 

Generally, all classes will move to remote learning during inclement weather, which will be noted in the announcement. In situations where classes are canceled, the announcement will specify the university is closed and classes are canceled.

Some operations of the university, such as residence life, housing and dining services, health and wellness services, library, computer services, university bookstore operations, Plaster Student Union, the Foster Recreation Center, athletics, and potentially other administrative units, may continue to operate even when the university is officially “closed.” Specific operations not included in the general closure will make individual determinations as to the impact on their operation and will notify employees and the campus community through their normal methods. It is the responsibility of each vice president to designate which non-faculty employees are to report to work. The major administrator of the operation will be responsible for ensuring that needed employees are notified.

Additional information regarding the impact of severe weather closings on staff can be found in section 2.15 of the Employee Handbook.