Weather-Related Travel Considerations

To
All Students
From
Allen W. Groves, University Dean of Students
This message is being sent to all students. Please disregard if you are not living/learning in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area this spring.

 

Dear Students:

Wintry weather, including snow and freezing rain, is forecast for the Charlottesville area beginning later tonight and continuing into tomorrow.  If you had planned to return to the area in the next 24-72 hours, please check the forecast so you can be informed and modify your plans if needed.

Weather information: We recommend following the National Weather Service’s forecast for the Charlottesville area

Schedule information: If the weather affects classes, services, or facilities on Sunday, Monday, or anytime in the future, the University will communicate in several ways:

Impact on Classes: Since many classes are currently being held online, the University may decide to proceed with these classes even if in-person sessions are cancelled.  Students should check class websites in UVACollab (or their school’s LMS) to confirm the status of their online class activities. 

On-Grounds Residential Areas: If you are moving back into on-Grounds housing, UVA’s facilities crews will be keeping the parking lots and sidewalks as clear as possible during the expected storm. Resident Staff from Housing & Residence Life also will be available.

Prevalence Testing: Please check the Be Safe website for any changes to the schedule for prevalence testing. 

Safety during the Storm: Please be smart if you go outside to enjoy the snow.  Remember that all pandemic guidelines remain in place, including gathering in groups of six or fewer, maintaining distance, and wearing masks.  A large snowball fight cannot proceed, given the current risks and guidelines associated with the pandemic.  If you are tossing snowballs in a small group, please make sure to avoid buildings, especially windows.  Also, please use care when walking and look closely for icy patches on brick walkways and stairs, particularly after the sun goes down.

Additionally, please remember the governor’s curfew remains in place. You should not be out between midnight and 5 a.m. unless your travel is related to an emergency or employment.

University Operations: To arrive at weather-related decisions, a team of University officials closely monitors developing weather conditions and assesses the expected impact on the University's infrastructure and facilities and the accessibility of Grounds, focusing on parking lots, sidewalks, and streets.

Even if in-person class schedules are modified, many core University services continue.  These include patient care, University Police, Facilities Management and IT operations, food services, and access to libraries and recreational facilities.

You can stay informed about available services by checking the Academic Division Operations Status Board as well as the sources mentioned above under Schedule Information.  Many University services are already operating on a modified schedule due to the ongoing pandemic.  You should check with a service or program to determine its operating status before attempting to go in person. 

Please stay safe and stay informed if you are traveling back for a new semester. 

Sincerely,

Allen W. Groves
University Dean of Students