Emergency weather policies

With winter weather always a concern early in the spring semester, students are encouraged to review the Student Life Policies regarding the cancellation of classes.

The University values the safety of all students, faculty and staff, while recognizing that the effective operation of the University must be maintained during inclement weather when possible. Every effort will be made to maintain classes; however, under severe and extreme circumstances, BGSU may delay the opening of the University or specific offices and areas, cancel some or all classes and/or activities, or implement an emergency closing of all or part of the University.

A decision to close a particular campus, delay opening or cancel classes or activities may be based on weather information and road conditions gathered from the BGSU Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the County Sheriff’s Office, other local police agencies surrounding the particular campus, official weather reports and forecasts, and consultation with BGSU Campus Operations staff. In most cases, the Bowling Green/Perrysburg campus will not close for winter conditions unless the Wood County Sheriff’s Office declares a Level 3 Snow Emergency. In most cases, the BGSU Firelands campus will not close for winter conditions unless the Erie County Sheriff’s Office declares a Level 3 Snow Emergency, or road and weather conditions within the campus’s service area necessitate closing.

Notwithstanding any announcement of a campus closure, students, faculty, staff, guests and visitors must assume responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as for their class or work responsibilities. Students who do not attend class because they are concerned about their safety should notify their instructors. Individuals who live outside of Wood County or Erie County may find that their county of residence is under a Level 3 Snow Emergency when Wood or Erie County is not, making it illegal for them to drive in their own county; students in this circumstance should notify their instructors.

Once the decision is made to delay, cancel or close, individuals will be notified through AlertBG, email, the BGSU homepage, BGSU social media channels and the news media. This is a good time to log in to MyBGSU and review your phone number and settings in the AlertBG System. Also, students, faculty and staff may call the University’s answering service number (419-372-SNOW) to confirm whether the Bowling Green/Perrysburg campus and/or BGSU Firelands campus is open or closed due to severe weather.