The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) has outlined its procedures for campus closures and delays due to winter weather, emphasizing the safety of students, faculty, and staff as the primary concern. The decision-making process involves assessing road conditions with input from UCCS Police and the City of Colorado Springs, along with weather forecasts from the National Weather Service and decisions by local school districts.
Facilities services crews work throughout the day and night to clear parking lots, roads, sidewalks, and stairways on campus. Weather conditions can change quickly, so UCCS reviews multiple forecasting models before making closure decisions.
Monitoring for potential storms begins 24-48 hours in advance. Meetings between campus representatives typically occur the night before a possible closure. Facilities and police meet around 4 a.m. to assess current conditions using National Weather Service data. Announcements about delayed starts or full-day closures are usually made by 5 a.m., though earlier announcements may be issued if there is consensus among officials.
In cases where an early closure is necessary, information will be communicated as soon as possible with a goal of at least two hours’ notice. However, if conditions worsen rapidly, campus may close sooner. Shuttle services end within 30 minutes of an announced closure time.
UCCS uses several communication channels to inform students and employees about closures or delays: text messages through UCCS Alerts (with automatic enrollment for students), emails to all university accounts, updates on the main website (uccs.edu), alerts.uccs.edu, FlashAlerts, social media posts on Facebook and Twitter via Emergency Management and Police accounts, traditional broadcast media relying on FlashAlerts for updates, a dedicated phone line at (719) 255-3346 maintained by UCCS Police, and notifications through the UCCS Safe App.
During delayed openings, all classes scheduled before the new opening time are canceled for that day—including synchronous online courses. Early arrivals may delay snow removal efforts by facilities staff. For early closures, classes continue until the official closing time; after that point only asynchronous online courses proceed according to their syllabus.
When closed due to weather, buildings are locked except for essential personnel needed for critical services. Those needing access should expect delays since police may be assisting city agencies during severe weather events. Employees working remotely must follow delay or closure schedules as if they were on campus.
Bus service aligns with opening or closing times—starting 30 minutes before reopening after a delay or ending 30 minutes after an early closure if conditions permit.
Given Colorado’s variable weather across short distances—especially in areas like Monument or Woodland Park—students and employees are advised to use personal judgment regarding travel safety even when campus remains open. Students unable to attend should notify faculty promptly; employees should coordinate with supervisors about remote work options or taking leave.
Traffic congestion often increases during storms near campus; drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time during winter weather events.
Preparation tips include following guidance from the Colorado Department of Transportation regarding vehicle readiness for winter driving conditions. Drivers involved in accidents on campus should contact UCCS Police at (719) 255-3111 and exercise caution on Clyde Way due to its tendency to freeze quickly.
To prevent property damage during cold snaps:
– Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots.
– Keep indoor spaces warm using thick curtains or insulation film.
– Set thermostats no lower than 62 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Replace dirty furnace filters.
– Open cabinet doors near plumbing along exterior walls.
If pipes freeze and leak water shut off supplies immediately.
Travelers should check COTrip for real-time highway information before departing in snowy or icy conditions (https://www.cotrip.org/home.htm). Recommended precautions include reducing speed on slick roads, increasing following distance between vehicles due to longer braking distances in ice/snow situations (https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving), staying informed about route changes or closures (https://www.cotrip.org/map.htm#/default?layer=roadReports&view=state), packing emergency kits with essentials such as blankets/flashlights/snacks/jumper cables (https://www.ready.gov/car).
Pedestrians are urged to dress appropriately in layers with footwear providing good traction; any slips/falls—even those not resulting in injury—should be reported so problem areas can be addressed by Facilities Services at (719) 255-3313.
The University Center serves as a waiting area during closures for those awaiting rides home; individuals coming onto campus during delays/closures should park in garages rather than lots so plowing can proceed without obstruction.
