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Emergency Planning

Winter weather

Extreme weather—like heavy snow and extreme heat—can disrupt daily activities on campus. These situations are not always emergencies, but they may impact classes, events or operations.

Your safety is UVic’s first priority. Stay informed and be ready to adjust your plans when conditions change.

What to do during winter weather

Stay informed

  • Check the UVic website for the most up-to-date information.
  • If action is required or campus is closed, you may receive a UVic Alert (text, email and/or push notification via the UVic SafetyApp).

If campus is open

  • Classes, exams, services and research continue as scheduled unless your instructor or unit advises otherwise.
  • Instructors may move face-to-face classes online at their discretion and will communicate changes to students.
  • If you don't feel safe travelling to campus, contact your instructor, department or supervisor.

If campus closes

  • A campus closure due to snow or slippery conditions is not an emergency and you do not need to leave campus immediately—you can wind down your activities and leave when ready. Do not start new on-campus activities after you receive the campus closure notice.
  • Only on-campus services needed for the continued operation and safety of campus are staffed (e.g., Campus Security, Residence Services, The Cove).
  • Libraries and most in-person campus services close. The Student Union Building (SUB) may remain open for several hours as a warm waiting area.
  • Remote work and online classes/exams usually continue unless otherwise noted. Follow your instructor's/supervisor's direction.

How we decide to close

Campus Security and Facilities Management monitor:

  • BC Transit service to/from UVic
  • On-campus conditions (roads, pathways, parking lots)
  • Weather forecasts
  • Regional road reports
  • Messaging from police agencies in the four core municipalities on travel restrictions

A recommendation is provided to university executive. UVic only interrupts regular operations in exceptional conditions. UVic’s closure decision is independent of other post-secondary institutions and local school districts.

Safety tips

  • Wear clothing and footwear suitable for winter weather. Stay visible.
  • Use main entrances and cleared routes when accessing buildings.
  • When crossing the street, leave extra space for approaching vehicles. Make sure that vehicles have completely stopped before crossing the roadway. It takes vehicles longer to stop on icy or wet roads.  
  • Report conditions you feel are unsafe to Campus Security: 250-721-7599.
  • If working alone, review the Campus Alone program.

Snow & ice clearing

UVic crews clear snow and ice in priority order as quickly as conditions allow:

Priorities may be adjusted based on conditions and changing needs.

Accessibility

Accessibility routes, curb ramps, and main accessible entrances are prioritized. Conditions can change and routes may narrow or shift while crews work. Plan your trip using the priority maps above and enter buildings through main entrances. If a priority route is blocked or icy, call Campus Security at 250-721-7599. If you don't feel safe travelling to campus, contact your instructor/supervisor about options.

Learn more about accessibility and personal preparedness.

Getting to/from campus

  • Check BC Transit for route updates.
  • Warm waiting area: During a daytime closure, the Student Union Building may remain open for several hours as a place to wait for your travel home.
  • If your vehicle is not equipped for winter driving conditions, use other transportation options.
  • Overnight parking: If campus closes, you may leave your vehicle in campus parking lots overnight without citation.
  • Expect delays and allow extra time; use main routes first as they are often prioritized by the municipalities.
  • Use caution and be patient—expect congestion and travel delays during closures.

Residence & overnight options

If you live in residence: You do not need to leave campus during a snow closure. Residence Services staff are on duty. The Cove dining facility remains open; check posted hours as these may change. 

If you’re stuck on campus (students, staff, visitors): A small number of short-stay beds/rooms may be available for a fee through Residence Services. If nothing is available and you don't feel safe travelling, call Campus Security at 250-721-7599 for support.

Working during winter weather

Reminder: The information above applies to all students, faculty and staff. Be sure to review it before reading the employee-specific guidance below.

On-campus services necessary for the continued operation and safety of campus

  • Campus Security
  • Residence Services
  • The Cove

Check with your manager/supervisor to confirm if your role is required for the continued operation or safety of campus. Positions required on campus during a closure must be pre-designated and communicated in advance. Staff required to work on campus will be paid according to their collective agreement.

Employee absences & flexible arrangements

Staff: UVic works to minimize loss of pay if weather delays or closures prevent you from coming to campus. Managers may approve remote work or early departure on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the terms of your contract or appointment, you may use vacation days, banked overtime or make up lost time later. Vacation, flex days and sick days are reported as usual; a campus closure does not change how these days are recorded.

Faculty & librarians: Instructors may move face-to-face classes online or incorporate online elements, as long as they remain within the course modality thresholds. During snow disruptions or campus closures, instructors can choose from several flexible options—including online delivery, recorded lectures, or alternative assignments—while ensuring students are informed and safety considerations are respected. See guidance on the Vice-President Academic & Provost website.

Leaving early

Unit leaders may allow employees to leave early upon request, on a case-by-case basis. Request approval before leaving; leaving without approval may be considered absent without leave.

Not sure about your unit’s plan? Contact your unit leader to confirm expectations and whether you would be required on campus during a closure.

FAQ

  • If campus is open, classes/exams proceed unless your instructor tells you otherwise.
  • If campus is closed, in-person classes/exams are cancelled. Instructors may move activities online and will contact you. 

If you have any questions related to your coursework, contact your instructor. If unavailable, contact your department. You can also review the Exam Cancellation Policy (for final exams only).

Check the UVic website in the morning. We post updates early in the morning, once road and weather conditions are reassessed.

Students: Contact your instructor/department.

Faculty/staff: Contact your supervisor about remote options or leave arrangements.

Only on-campus services necessary for the continued operation and safety of campus will be staffed (e.g., Campus Security, Residence Services, The Cove). Libraries and most other services close. The SUB may remain open for several hours as a warm waiting area. Note the building may be open, but the services will close.

If campus is closed, most in-person appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled. Check your email/texts and contact the office to confirm options (e.g., phone/video, a new time).

If campus is open but you don't feel safe travelling, contact the unit to request a virtual option, or reschedule your appointment.

On-campus events are normally cancelled when campus is closed. Contact event organizers for details or refunds.

Contacts & more information