Become familiar with Western's winter weather closure policy

Contact: Deanne Puca

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—With the winter season just around the corner, this is a good time of year to review Western Michigan University's closure policy.  

University closures

WMU rarely closes or delays classes, so always assume campuses are open. In the absence of notification via one of the methods listed below, all normal operations will continue as scheduled.

When the University does close, regardless of the reason, the closure is announced on the:

The status of the University's regional locations will vary due to conditions in their individual areas, and they will be announced on the WMU homepage.

In the event of a weather closure, check the University events calendar to confirm whether an event is canceled. Those who have posted items to the calendar must update the posting to indicate whether the activity will go on as planned or is canceled.

To review WMU's Closure Policy, visit the policy website

Dress appropriate to the conditions

When outdoors in sub-freezing weather, always cover your head, ears and hands. Wear a hat or knit cap that fully covers your head, insulated gloves and a scarf.

Layer clothing to prevent chilling and overheating. Three or four relatively light layers are better than one or two thick layers. Outer layers should be loose-fitting, windproof and water-resistant. Remove layers as your body warms to avoid overheating. Perspiration wets skin and clothing, and water conducts heat away from the body about 30 times faster than air at the same temperature.

Proper footwear is extremely important. Frostbite most frequently occurs in the extremities—fingers and toes. Wear socks and sensible shoes, such as insulated walking shoes or boots with rubber soles, for best footing on icy walks.

For more information on how to stay safe in wintry conditions, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Winter Weather webpage and the National Weather Service's Cold Weather Safety webpage.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.