Safety and Security Notice
DECEMBER 20, 2022
To: Members of the University Community
From: Katie Callow-Wright, Executive Vice President of the University, and Eric Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security
Subject: Inclement Weather Forecast
Date: December 20, 2022
Winter Storm Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Chicago region, starting Thursday afternoon through late Friday night. The message advises people in the Chicago area and nearby parts of Illinois and Indiana to “prepare for dangerous travel and possible blizzard conditions,” including winds gusts up to 55mph and wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero. According to the forecast, travel could become “extremely difficult, if not impossible” in Chicago and the suburban area starting Thursday afternoon through Friday.
We anticipate that the storm will make it difficult to travel to and from the University’s Hyde Park or downtown facilities. The storm may also impact K-12 schools that would otherwise be open, creating childcare challenges for parents.
Due to the severe weather forecast, the University will curtail many activities later Thursday and on Friday while maintaining clinical care and other essential functions.
- Managers are advised to close most offices and non-essential functions on Friday and to allow people to work remotely as needed, and as their duties allow. Because the forecast is evolving and the advisory begins Thursday afternoon (with some areas potentially affected earlier Thursday), we advise caution for any travel and commuting throughout Thursday and Friday.
- Personnel in UChicago Medicine and the Biological Sciences Division who perform clinical or other essential functions will be expected to work on Thursday and Friday, and should plan ahead with caution. Other UChicago Medicine employees should consult with their supervisors about questions specific to their roles and assignments.
- Please remember to close the windows in your offices and other spaces before leaving work for the weekend.
In addition to essential medical care and research operations, many services will continue during this period. We are deeply thankful to all University personnel with duties that are essential in such times, for their help in ensuring that the University’s core functions remain in operation no matter the conditions. Please note:
- Residence halls that are housing students over break will remain open to students, who previously received an email with resources available to them over break.
- Essential safety personnel, including employees with the University of Chicago Police Department and Facilities Services, will continue to provide key services. Security officers will be removed from outdoor posts if conditions reach unsafe levels; “green light” safety ambassador vehicle patrols will continue to operate.
- Transportation services, including shuttle buses, will operate on schedule unless conditions make that impossible or unsafe. We will post updates about service delays or suspensions on TransLoc.
- Most Library facilities will close to patrons on Thursday afternoon and will remain closed through Friday. Operating hours will be updated on the Library website.
- UChicago Medicine will send a separate communication about operations to health system staff.
- UChicago Student Wellness will remain open for virtual care; students should call 773.834.WELL for medical concerns or 773.702.3625 for the Therapist-on-Call. There will be no in-person appointments and non-urgent in-person appointments will be rescheduled.
- Note that during next week’s Winter Recess period, employees who support essential functions are required to work as scheduled.
Please use extreme caution in planning any travel during this time and take extra precautions if you must travel. Consult the Illinois Department of Transportation throughout the storm period for the latest road conditions in Illinois. The University of Chicago Police Department will continue to operate 24 hours a day; in the event of an urgent situation, contact UCPD at 773-702-8181 or dial 911 in an emergency.
The University is closely monitoring the impact of this weather system, and we will communicate any further changes to campus operations as quickly as possible.