Winter weather awareness

Severe Weather and Emergency Closings

There are occasions when the university may move to virtual classes or partially close campus due to weather conditions. University policy provides guidance and expectations for employees related to cancellations and closings. Additional information is available in this FAQ. 

In the event of a partial closure, the university will maintain the following services: police/public safety, power plant, residence halls, food service, health care, animal care and critical maintenance, including ongoing research projects. Other campus offices have the flexibility to close or provide remote/virtual services. 

University leaders encourage employees and students to put safety first when deciding to travel to campus. If you cannot make it to campus because of the weather, please coordinate with your supervisor or instructor to arrange to work remotely, take leave or make up class material. 

Weather announcements

The university will share information about class changes and closings through a campus message sent to all Iowa State email addresses, on the ISU Alert page and social media accounts @IowaStateU (X/Twitter and Facebook) and @IowaStateUNews (X/Twitter). 

ISU Police and Environmental Health and Safety work closely with the National Weather Service in Des Moines to provide updates for campus. Follow @ISUPD and @IowaStateUEHS on social media for weather-related information. 

Environmental Health and Safety also has a winter weather webpage with tips for winter walking and driving, as well as information on winterizing your car and emergency kits. 

Navigating campus

Iowa State has 45 miles of paved roads and 52 miles of sidewalk to maintain. The Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) team works diligently to clear the snow and ice and appreciates your patience and caution in navigating campus during winter weather.

If you notice icy spots or other hazards, use the online report a problem form or call 515-294-5100 to notify FP&M.

Stay informed

Be aware of weather forecasts and prepare for winter conditions when traveling to and from campus. If you are interested in receiving weather alerts, we encourage you to take advantage of the services provided by several local media outlets. This will allow you to customize notifications to your location. We’d also recommend bookmarking the following links: 

• National Weather Service winter safety and winter weather conditions
• 511 road conditions 

Thank you for doing your part to be prepared this winter season. 

Michael Newton, Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police

Paul Richmond, Assistant Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety

Wendy Kisch, Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning and Management