Winter is Coming! A Reminder about Winter Weather Procedures at UBC

The Department of Medicine is sending a reminder about the UBC and the Faculty of Medicine policies about Disruption Of Classes and Services Due To Weather 

Winter Weather Conditions For DOM Divisions and DOM Administration Office:

Because the units within the Department of Medicine are located on various sites, decisions about operations/services should be site-specific, based on current weather/road conditions, operational demands, and staff safety. Though a decision may be made to suspend services at one site, other sites may not be affected.  It is the responsibility of each Manager/Supervisor to communicate information to their respective staff to ensure familiarity with the Faculty policy and an understanding of instructions/procedures as established by each Division/unit.

a)      During Business Hours

  • In the event of severe weather conditions during the day, the University will remain open but at its discretion, may suspend classes and non-essential services.
  • Faculty and department closure decisions are site-specific, especially for those outside of Greater Vancouver, based on current local conditions and operational demands.
  • The University will make every reasonable effort to communicate closure/service suspension decisions through the main website (ubc.ca), social media channels, and local broadcast media outlets throughout the day.
  • Upon each unit’s decision, designated non-essential staff will receive leaving instructions from their manager/director.
  • The lead manager/director from each Department, group, or unit should confirm the operational status of the Dean’s Office, Point Grey before making a decision about their own division/unit. Upon each unit’s decision, designated non-essential staff will receive leaving instructions.
  • The notification procedure outlined in Section 2 of the guideline will be followed. Please also contact your manager/director about instructions for the remainder of the day.

b)      Outside Business Hours

  • In the event of deteriorating conditions overnight, the University will make every effort to communicate closure decisions through the main websitesocial media channels, and local broadcast media outlets by 6:30 am.
  • For offices located within Greater Vancouver, once the University has made the decision to suspend classes and services, the notification procedure outlined in Section 2 of the guideline will be followed. Please also contact your manager/director about instructions for the day.
  • For sites around the province, operational decisions should be based on that of the respective host institutions. Staff should contact their manager/director about instructions for the day.
  • In non-closure situations, all employees are responsible to make reasonable efforts to attend work based on their regular work schedule, whether on-site or remote. Extenuating circumstances should be discussed with your manager/director.

c)       Emergency Information and Messaging

If you have questions about policy and staff procedures, please contact your respective Human Resources or Administrative Manager.