In the know about snow: Winter 2025-26 closure policy and safety information

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—As winter approaches, Western Michigan University encourages the entire campus community to review WMU’s closure policy. While snow and ice may be common in Michigan, full University closures and class delays are rare. Unless you receive an official notification through one of the channels listed below, you can assume that all campuses remain open and operations continue as scheduled. 

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

• WMU homepage.

• WMU Alert system.

• Area radio and television stations.

• WMU emergency information phone line at (269) 387-1001.

The status of WMU-Grand Rapids will depend on conditions in that specific area; those conditions 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. People who have posted items to the calendar must update the posting to indicate whether the activity will go on as planned, change to a virtual format or be canceled. 

WMU’s closure policy is available online.

Dress appropriately for the conditions 

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

Layer clothing to prevent chilling and overheating. Three or four relatively light layers are better than one or two thick layers. It’s best to wear loose-fitting, windproof and water-resistant outer layers. 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 the 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: Before, During and After webpage and the National Weather Service’s Cold Weather Safety webpage. 

Weather-related University closings since 1999 

• 1999, Jan. 4-5—Heavy snowfall delayed the start of the spring semester.

• 2000, Nov. 21-22—Thanksgiving recess began Tuesday because of snow.

• 2006, Dec. 1—An ice storm downed trees and caused power outages.

• 2007, Feb. 5—Extreme cold and snow closed many Michigan colleges.

• 2008, Feb. 1—WMU closed because of snow.

• 2009, Dec. 10—Blizzard conditions closed WMU.

• 2013, Jan. 31—Snow and icy conditions closed WMU.

• 2014, Jan. 6-7—Significant snowfall and expected severely cold temperatures prompted many Michigan colleges to close. The closure delayed the start of the spring semester.

• 2014, Jan. 27—Snow and cold temperatures closed WMU.

• 2014, Nov. 18—Heavy snowfall closed WMU.

• 2015, Feb. 2—A widespread snowstorm closed WMU and many other schools around the state.

• 2016, Feb. 25—In an otherwise mild winter, a heavy snow accompanied by high winds closed WMU.

• 2018, Feb. 9—Severe winter weather prompted WMU to close at noon.

• 2019, Jan. 23—A mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow closed schools throughout the region.