Should El Ni o bring extraordinary winter ice, snow and frigid temperatures, such conditions can present significant challenges for the Jefferson community. The University President, or his designee, may declare a weather emergency which shall apply to the University, The Hospital and the Jefferson Faculty Foundation Department heads should advise all faculty and employees of their status as either designated or nondesignated personnel annually in writing and should issue reminders during weather emergency periods. Designated personnel are required to report in the event of a declared weather emergency. Absences of designated personnel during a weather emergency are without pay, but are not charged to an employee's lost-time rate under the attendance policy. Nondesignated personnel, may use a vacation or personal day if transportation or other weather-related problems result in lost time during a weather emergency.
Students can also obtain weather-emergency information from the hotline.
The Dean of each academic division will decide about class cancellation. Scheduled classes for MD and PhD students will take place regardless of weather conditions. The College of Health Professions will use radio public service announcements for class cancellations. Occasionally, worsening travel conditions will result in the decision to permit an early dismissal of non designated personnel. Lost time will be paid and not chargeable to vacation or personal time in early dismissal situation.