Inclement Weather Policies & Notification Guidelines

The operations and activities of an institution of higher education, such as Sacred Heart University, necessitate that the campus remain open with essential services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Therefore, the University never fully closes or ceases operations. The default position in the event of inclement weather is that classes and all other activities will continue as scheduled and cancellations or delays will be kept to an absolute minimum. Students, faculty and staff should plan in advance accordingly.

No notice means we are open!

In the event of extraordinary inclement weather conditions that affect the normal operations of the University, the information regarding any schedule changes will be disseminated by one or more of the following methods:

  • Recording on the SHU Info Line: 203-365-7669 or ext. 7669
  • Posting on the University’s website
  • Alerts sent through SHU EAS emergency alert system (text message, email and automated phone call)
  • Alerts posted to all of SHU's social media platforms including X, Facebook and Instagram
  • While WSHU does not announce routine closures, in the event of service interruptions to University email and Wi-Fi, tune in to WSHU radio (91.1 FM) for ongoing emergency updates.

Due to space or other limitations with voice recordings or electronic messages, the University’s website will contain the most complete and updated information. Every effort will be made to disseminate information by 6 a.m. if any morning classes or activities will be canceled or delayed and by 2 p.m. if any late afternoon or evening classes or activities will be canceled.

To receive SHU EAS alerts, check and update as necessary your cell phone information on record. This can be done anytime via Account Management System (AMS). The SHU EAS system’s data is refreshed and updated daily.

Unless formally announced that University operations are officially canceled or delayed, classes and all other activities will continue as scheduled and all offices are to remain open in accordance with their regular schedule.

Facilities & Construction personnel will prioritize their efforts and clear main roadways and main doorways on campus before attending to lesser used areas. Therefore, you are encouraged to use the main thoroughfares during bad weather whenever possible.

Lastly, helpful contacts for specific departmental activities or services in the event of inclement weather may be available directly at the following numbers:

This policy includes the Stamford and Griswold locations, unless specified.

Your faculty are required to use alternate instruction to ensure the correct number of contact hours. Please be sure to check in with your instructors about their specific plans. 

If classes on campuses are canceled, faculty members are required to use alternate instruction to ensure that the required number of contact hours are maintained. Please let your students know what your specific plans are to do this.

In the event of inclement weather, the University will remain open for business purposes and all staff and administration should report to work. However, there may be times when Sacred Heart University may cancel some or all of the day’s classes or possibly University offices will close completely for the day. These guidelines are available to assist you with managing your attendance during such circumstances. 

In the event the University cancels classes

A delayed opening may be posted indicating that classes are delayed and/or canceled; however, staff and administration should report to work by the alternate time indicated on the snow line. 

  • In the event an employee does not feel he or she will be able to report to work on time, needs to leave work early or needs to cancel the day completely, the employee is required to notify his or her supervisor and/or manager immediately. 
  • An employee may use his or her available personal time to cover the absence. In the event the employee does not have personal time available, the employee may use a vacation day. 
  • At no point, should employees be made to feel that they are required to stay at work or come into the office, especially if they feel their safety is at risk. 

In the event the University closes (i.e., power outage, state of emergency declared by the State of Connecticut, etc.)

  • Staff and administration who are scheduled to work are not required to report into the University. The employee’s regularly scheduled workday will be paid for without charge to the employee’s vacation and/or personal accrual. 
  • Essential service employees provide care for the safety of the students and staff. The following departments are considered “essential services” and are still expected to report to work in the event the University closes: facilities & construction, dining services, library staff, fitness & recreation operations staff, public safety, residential life and student union. Coverage and scheduling of these areas are the responsibility of the divisional/departmental leader. 

Should you have any questions concerning these guidelines or if you require further clarification, contact  human resources. 

Everyone is advised to use their own judgment for their personal safety.