Being prepared for snow makes coming to school and work in the snow that much less stressful.
In an effort to keep Northern Arizona University faculty, staff and students informed, a new page has been added to the NAU website that will be updated when inclement weather affects university operations. That decision is made with much consideration, as the administration is committed to remain open when possible to provide the academic experience for which students and taxpayers are paying.
NAU will not send out any announcements if the university is operating on a normal schedule.
The campus community can visit nau.edu/alert, which will be updated only in the event there is a change in the schedule. The decision is made before 6 a.m., with the determination to cancel evening classes made by 4 p.m. Police, emergency management and facility services team members are constantly assessing the road conditions on and around campus and working with road crews to keep roads, sidewalks and parking lots cleared and treated.
NAU coordinates with local stakeholders, including the City of Flagstaff, NAIPTA (bus service), Coconino County, Flagstaff Unified School District, Coconino Community College and the National Weather Service.
The university will send out an NAU Alert text message only if classes or university operations are on a delayed start or canceled. In addition, students, faculty and staff are notified of changes to operations through email, Facebook, Twitter, the NAU home page, MyNAU, local media, and the NAU Now Line at 928-523-0007. To sign up for NAU Alert, visit nau.edu/alert.
To keep up with road and weather conditions throughout Flagstaff and the surrounding areas, monitor regional weather forecasts, road conditions and follow @ArizonaDOT on Twitter. For those driving, allow extra travel time to and from your destination, ensure your vehicle is in good condition to travel in the snow and keep a windshield scraper, hats and gloves and a blanket in your car in case you get stuck.
Riding the local buses also is an option. Ride the Louie Line, Rapid Ride or Mountain Link (Route 10) shuttles. To track NAU and Mountain Link shuttles live, download the Mobile App. Students can purchase a discounted Mountain Line bus pass, and employees are encouraged to commute using their ecoPASS on Mountain Line.
What should I do if campus is open and I cannot make it to work or class?
Despite campus, city and county crews working hard to keep the roads clear, some employees and students who live in more remote areas may not be able to make it to campus. Please use your best judgment as NAU’s top priority is the safety of its faculty, staff and students. Students who are unable to get to campus should contact their professors. Employees who are unable to get to campus should contact their supervisors.
NAU’s full snow closure policy for employees is available online at http://hr.nau.edu/apps/policy-manual/10313.