Campus Closure Protocol

Purpose

The TRU Kamloops campus is rarely affected by extreme weather conditions or significant snow fall like many other parts of British Columbia. The campus at Williams Lake experiences more severe conditions but has rarely been significantly affected. On occasion however it may be determined that some or all, campus roads, buildings or grounds may not be safe or usable, or that road conditions may be too dangerous for students, staff and faculty to travel to or remain on the campus. In such instances, closure of one or both campuses should be considered.

Scope

The following procedures are to be followed when severe adverse weather conditions or any similar emergency occurs that forces consideration of the need to close Thompson Rivers University and cease normal operations. This procedure also covers decisions to close individual facilities or areas and decisions about large scale class cancellation. Until the decision to close campus is announced, the University is to be considered open and operations should continue (even if facilities are closed or classes cancelled).

Definition

Closing the campus is defined as suspension of services to students and all activities, with the exception of essential operational services at either the Kamloops or Williams Lake campus. Essential operational services include campus security, certain physical plant operations, caring for animals in the Veterinary Technology program, and services related to University student residences. Arrangements for the provision of essential services should be previously agreed as part of business continuity arrangements with all parties concerned. Because many facilities remain operational on weekends, these procedures may apply on any day of the week. Open Learning services and other online services should not be suspended unless campus-based operations are required to keep the service operational.

Procedures

Cancellation of classes and/or university closure due to extreme weather conditions or other similar emergencies.