SECTION II: Policies and Procedures for all Students
School Operations
Class Cancellation: Link to section
Inclement Weather or Instructor Illness
Students may call the University's Information line at 585-275-6111 to find out if the UR is closing due to inclement weather; they are instructed to call individual departments for updated closing information.
The SON policy is:
Students should listen for UR closing information via media outlets and email for both day and evening classes.
In less severe instances of inclement weather or instructor illness, canceling a class is left to the discretion of the individual instructor. In this case, every effort is made to contact class members, typically through Blackboard.
Emergency Notification and Disaster Plan: Link to section
General University policy is to remain in operation and continue regular schedules despite disruptive situations such as severe weather. When possible, the substitution of instructional and staff personnel and rescheduling of events and classes will be arranged to ensure the closest approximation to normal functioning possible.
The Emergency Operation Notification Plan is to be used when normal operations cannot be maintained. These occasions could result in the cancellation of all or selected classes, the substitution of staff where possible, limiting the number of staff and faculty coming to campus, and rescheduling events and/or instructional sessions. Recorded announcements about any general curtailment of services will be available promptly and updated frequently on the University’s Telephone Bulletin Service, where they may be heard at any time by dialing 585-275-6111.
In the event of a disaster involving Strong Memorial Hospital, an alarm will sound in HWH as well as SMH, followed by an announcement that Disaster Plans are to be implemented. During the day, Monday through Friday, students/faculty not working on a patient care unit at the time of the alarm should report to HWH Lounge and sign in. Students/faculty working on a clinical unit during the disaster should remain there and follow directions given by unit leadership. For more information, please review the Environmental Health & Safety website.
Fire Alarms/Drills: Link to section
When a fire alarm is activated, students should immediately take their personal belongings from the classroom/space and exit the building. If a computer is in use, the computer should be turned off. The elevator will not be usable; persons should go immediately to the nearest stairwell. Everyone must remain outside until given clearance to return. If a student locates a fire, they should activate the fire alarm and call Security (dial 13).
Telephone Bulletins: Link to section
Recorded announcements of major University events are provided by the Office of University Communications. From outside the University, dial 585-275-6111, and from inside, 5-6111. Direct input for the recorded message can be made only by designated personnel. If an emergency schedule change has a broad impact and notice through the telephone bulletin is required, college deans can arrange it. During emergencies (e.g., a major snowstorm), call 585-275-6111 for information. See “Emergency Operation” for additional procedures.