Campus Closure

PSU officials responsible for campus safety, facilities and operations consider a number of factors, including weather conditions and forecasts, metro road conditions and public transit operations in deciding whether to close campus. The most important consideration is the safety of students, faculty and staff.

If normal operations are not possible, the university will respond in one of two ways:

PSU campus will open late or close early; or
PSU campus will close completely, canceling all in-person classes and events and providing only essential services.

Regardless of the university’s decision, it is important for each person to decide for themselves whether it’s safe to come to campus. The PSU community is encouraged to consider now what personal safety steps can be taken ahead of any emergency including Winter Weather, Extreme Heat, Flooding & Land Movement, and Wildfire Smoke.

CLOSURE NOTIFICATIONS
When the PSU campus is closed or the opening is delayed, the community will be notified via PSU Alert.

Email: Automatic to all @pdx.edu email addresses
Text: Sign up through PSU Alert
Voice Call: Sign up through PSU Alert
Personal Email: Sign up through PSU Alert

The most effective way to receive timely information is via text message. Therefore, PSU encourages all students, faculty and staff to register their personal accounts for notifications through PSU Alert. This information is used solely for emergency purposes.

Notifications will also appear on:
PSU Website
Facebook
Instagram
X

The university will make every effort to send out notifications in a timely manner. For inclement weather closures, the university will strive to notify the community by 6:30 a.m. or if the university closes early, notifications will be sent as soon as practical.

CAMPUS CLOSURE GUIDANCE

FOR STUDENTS

CLASSES

In-person classes will be canceled. Check your syllabus or class communication channels for any alternative plans or instructions, keeping in mind that some instructors may elect to move their in-person classes to remote during a closure or delay.
Online classes will continue at the instructor’s discretion.
If closure occurs during Finals, exams will be rescheduled or alternatives will be identified by the instructor.

EVENTS/ATHLETICS

Special events and athletic games held on the PSU campus are canceled.

CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

Students employed by the university should not come to work.
Students employed by private businesses on campus, including dining services, should consult with their supervisors.

HOUSING & RESIDENCE HALLS

Open

DINING

Reduced operations: Only Victor’s Dining Hall in Ondine will open unless otherwise communicated.

CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY

Open

LIBRARY

Closed (see FAQ for questions about overdue items)

CAMPUS REC

Closed

FOR EMPLOYEES

WORK GUIDANCE

Employees should be familiar with work expectations prior to a campus closure.
Review the University Closure Policy to determine what a closure means for your position or consult with your supervisor.
Consult with your supervisor if the campus is open but weather conditions preclude you from coming in.
After an inclement weather incident, PSU Human Resources will share detailed information on how to report work hours and appropriate leave usage via email and on the Human Resources Website
CPSO, University Housing and the University Place Hotel are considered essential services and will remain open.
Read the annual Inclement Weather Notice.

FACULTY

In-person classes are canceled.
Online or hybrid classes may continue at your discretion.
OAI recommends communicating your plans for class to students at the beginning of the term and during a closure (if able).
Encouraged to exercise flexibility with students who are unable to attend class due to circumstances related to the campus closure (i.e. power outage, childcare challenges)
Consult OAI’s guide on Teaching in Inclement Weather.

CLOSURE FAQ

TRANSPORTATION