University remains open

The University of Wisconsin–Madison remains open for business this afternoon and classes will be held as scheduled. Students who feel it is unsafe to travel to campus should contact their professors or teaching assistants about making up their classes.

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 their 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.