Be Prepared for Winter Weather
Before the wintry mixes or snow arrives, it’s good to be as prepared as possible.
Posted in: Announcements, Featured News, Safety
It’s been an unseasonably warm fall, but winter weather could make its way to our campus at any time.
Will the University Ever Close?
- The University’s Default Protocol is to Remain Open: You’ve paid for an education and it’s our responsibility to be here to provide it. It will be the University’s intention to remain open and operating whenever possible.
- Decision Informed by Multiple Sources: The data used to make the decision are obtained from a number of sources, including the National Weather Service, state and municipal agencies regarding highway and local road conditions and University officials who determine the state of parking lots, campus roads and walkways.
- Consider Your Personal Circumstances: We are aware many of our students commute from different areas of the state, and your local conditions may not match those of the University. Please always consider your personal circumstances in making a decision about whether or not to come to campus when the weather is a concern.
We Will Communicate with You!
In the event the University does need to close or cancel classes for a portion of, or for an entire day, you will receive text alerts that start with “Red Hawk Alert” and emails to your Montclair email address from msuadmin@montclair.edu. The Montclair website will alert users via pop-up messages and the main University Instagram account will share the same news article on its story linking to the most up-to-date information from the Student Services web page. We will keep our What’s Open database accurate, too.
Additional Tips to Help You Prepare
Please consider these tips now so you aren’t scrambling in the moment if and when winter weather strikes.
- Have Conversations with Your Professors: Your professors may have expectations regarding class cancellations or chose to hold class remotely during a storm. Talk with them ahead of time to have a better understanding!
- Get Your Cars Ready: If you drive to campus, make sure your car is ready for the winter by keeping a shovel, ice scraper, gloves and a flashlight in your trunk at all times. It is also important to check your engine coolant and antifreeze levels to keep your engine from freezing. Inflate your tires to the recommended tire pressure for better car handling in the snow and rain.
- You may be asked to move cars from surface lots to parking decks to allow for proper plowing when it snows. You will receive instructions about when and where to move cars from surface parking lots to parking decks and then back to a surface parking lot. Any applicable parking fee for the decks will be waived during a snow emergency (except for the NJ Transit Parking Deck where normal fees will apply). The rooftops of all decks may be closed due to weather events, snow and ice conditions. Obey the closures and do not park on the top levels if winter weather is expected. All members of the campus community must adhere to the instructed timelines provided in emergency communications.
- Bundle Up!: Be sure to have a good, warm coat plus gloves and a hat. When walking around campus, consider winter boots or shoes with good traction. Don’t have proper winter clothing? Check out Rocky’s Closet for free clothing items!
- Be Kind to Our Facilities Team: Facilities personnel often work around the clock to keep the roads and walkways clear. It may not be perfect. This is no different from your town or other areas off campus. If you see them, thank them! And remember to apply extra caution when getting around campus.
- Budget Your Time: Add extra time to get where you are going. Whether you are traveling via mass transit, by car or just walking, you know everything takes longer in the winter.
Stay Safe this Winter
Please take these steps to be prepared, and as always, stay informed through our emergency communication channels. Winter weather is unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. Take care and stay safe this season!