Campus open today

UW-Madison is open for business and classes will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6, as scheduled.

Students who feel it is unsafe to travel to campus should contact their professors or teaching assistants about making up missed class time. 

"We realize that we’re facing difficult conditions today, but it’s important for the university to stay open whenever feasible," says UW–Madison Provost Patrick Farrell. "That being said, we are going to be very flexible
and sympathetic in handling requests for absences from both students and 
employees. Decisions must be made on the basis of personal safety."  

Employees are advised to use their own discretion regarding their health and safety and that of their family members, but they are required to use accrued holiday, vacation or compensation time to cover any absences. Supervisors are advised to be flexible in their approval of employee-requested leave in inclement weather situations.

Closing the university or canceling classes is a rare occurrence.

On Dec. 3, 1990, then-Chancellor Donna Shalala canceled classes in the morning as extremely heavy snow made streets and highways nearly impassable. More than 17 inches of snow fell over a 12- to 16-hour period.

On Feb. 6, 2006, university officials canceled late afternoon and evening classes because of a continuing threat of severe weather, including snow, sleet and high winds.