In the event of severe weather conditions (snow, ice, wind damage, flooding, etc.) or a campus emergency, the Institute may determine that circumstances require a delay in operations, an early closure, or Institute closure. We have established the following Severe Weather and Emergency Policy with your safety and well-being as our priority.

Emergency Operation Scenarios

A campus notification will be sent that will indicate the Institute is operating in one of the four scenarios listed below. In any of these situations, designated “essential staff” must report to campus unless otherwise informed by their supervisor. 

1. Institute Closure: All classes (remote or in-person) are canceled, and all offices are closed except for those delivering emergency services and supporting critical operations (e.g., Public Safety, Dining, designated research labs, etc.). 
2. Remote Learning and Working: All classes are conducted remotely, when possible. Institute faculty and staff are expected to work remotely, when possible. If remote classes or work is not possible, faculty and staff should consult with their department head or dean, or direct supervisor, as appropriate. 
3. Closing Early: All classes will be canceled, and all offices will be closed at the time specified in the campuswide announcement. Classes scheduled to begin after the specified time will not meet; this includes classes that are normally delivered remotely. Classes that do not meet remotely will not transition to remote delivery. 
4. Delayed Opening: Classes are canceled, and offices are closed until a time specified in the announcement. Classes scheduled to begin prior to the time specified will not meet, even if those classes are normally delivered remotely. Classes that do not meet remotely will not transition to remote delivery. 

Students may hear directly from faculty, advisors, or coaches to address specific questions that may arise. Faculty and staff should consult with their department head or dean, or direct supervisor, as appropriate, for specific questions, and to make sure course contact minutes are met, whether in-person or remote.

RPI Alert
RPI Alert is our emergency notification system that provides rapid communications to campus constituents regarding weather-related delays or closures and campus emergencies. Notifications are delivered via text, voice, and email messages. Visit alert.rpi.edu to sign up or to verify and update your information.

When possible, a campus communication regarding next-day operations will be sent by 10 p.m., with follow-up or final messaging sent by 5:30 a.m. the next day.

General Preparedness
We also strongly encourage everyone in the RPI community to familiarize themselves and their families with emergency preparedness and severe weather safety. Visit New York State’s Learn About and Plan for Emergencies website for helpful tips.