Inclement Weather Policy

January 10, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

As winter begins to take hold and with predictions of more snow ahead, we wanted to update you on Brandeis’ policy with regards to classes and inclement weather.

We ask that each instructor include in their syllabus their policy for days when campus is closed or when there is a delayed start or an early closing because of inclement weather or other emergencies. Transparency about class expectations is essential.

If there is a snow day/delayed start/early closing, the instructor may, but is not required to, cancel up to two classes for a full semester course, or one for a module class. An instructor may hold a Zoom class, but if the class is on Zoom, students must be allowed to join the classes asynchronously without penalty.

If there are more inclement weather days/early closings/late starts that affect more than two class sessions, the instructor should find ways to cover the course material through zoom classes, recorded classes, rescheduled classes, assigned projects or other measures.

We recognize that every class is different and as a result, the inclement weather policies may vary from course to course depending on the material being covered, the pedagogy of the instructor, and the needs of students.

Our hope is that all future storms arrive on the weekend, so that we can enjoy sledding, hot cocoa, and other winter activities without the disruption of classes.

Sincerely,

Carol Fierke, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dorothy Hodgson, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences

Wendy Cadge, Dean of the Graduate School or Arts and Sciences

Kathryn Graddy, Dean of the Brandeis International Business School

David Weil, Dean of the Heller School for Social Policy and Management