In the event of extreme weather
Communications during an extreme weather event
Either the Vice-Chancellor, the Corporate Affairs Manager or other designated staff member will issue a severe weather warning to the University community. They will advise if classes are suspended and whether students and employees need to make travel plans in the event of a University closure.
Storm updates will be made available to the wider University community on the home page of this website (UC Emergency Management) and will include:
- Official University instructions regarding class cancellation and University closure
- Links to information on progress and tracking of the storm
- Links to other council and relevant sites
- Updates on when the University will reopen and when classes will resume after a storm
University Closure
The Vice-Chancellor (or designate) will make the decision to close the University.
Condition 1 – Severe Weather Conditions - Closure and Evacuation
If the University closes due to an emergency, all scheduled on-campus events will be cancelled. Faculty and staff will be requested to secure work areas, relocate equipment if flooding is expected, and to then leave the campus.
Advice will be provided on road conditions, public transport notifications and of any areas on campus where there are safety concerns as regularly as possible. These will be available on the home page of this website (UC Emergency Management).
When the University is closed, students and non-storm personnel (faculty and staff) are officially requested to leave the University. If any staff member chooses to stay on campus, they are required to notify the Security Control Centre (6888) of their location and intended departure time.
If a full evacuation is ordered, all non essential staff will be required to leave the University. When the University is officially closed, students are not permitted to remain on campus.
UC Security Services, Maintenance Staff and UC Rescue personnel will ensure that buildings are clear of personnel and secure.
Students are responsible for securing their own lodging and transportation arrangements.
Condition 2 – Exceptional Weather Conditions – Campus Lockdown
If the weather conditions are so severe that leaving the campus is not a safe option, the University will be officially closed and locked down.
All persons on campus will be advised to remain inside the buildings and do the following:
- Move all people away from windows
- Close all curtains, drapes and blinds where possible
- Shelter in strongest part of building (e.g. Central Corridors)
- Clear large areas with glass atriums or glass roofs.
During a Campus Lockdown due to severe weather conditions, if any person must urgently leave the campus, call Security Services on Ext 6888 for assistance.
Communicating with the campus community during exceptional weather conditions
All Staff and All Student emails will be sent advising of the conditions and the requested/required actions to be taken.
UC 'Whispir Alert' will be used for all major emergency communications during an event.
Further information
UC Weather Plan Policy and Guidelines (PDF, 72KB) (UC Policy Library website)