Weather Update

If employees have any questions, they should refer to the standard inclement weather policy below or see the statement from Harvard University.

Inclement Weather Policy

SEAS follows the inclement weather policies established by Harvard University and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. 

It is very unusual for Harvard to close in response to inclement weather; thus, in general, SEAS teaching and research activities will continue in these circumstances. 

For the latest information about the status of university operations during inclement weather, please contact the University Weather and Special Conditions line at (49) 6-NEWS (6397) or visit the Harvard homepage at www.harvard.edu. No information means business as usual.

Snow/Travel Emergency Policy

With the possibility of inclement weather, especially during the winter months, SEAS members should familiarize themselves with the relevant policies.

First and foremost, SEAS follows the same inclement weather policies as the University and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In general, SEAS' teaching and research activities will continue during inclement weather.

The official inclement weather policy states that since most of Harvard’s student body and faculty live in close proximity to the college, Harvard rarely declares a University-wide weather emergency (that is, closes).

When there is bad weather, all members are expected to make every effort to be at work. When severe weather conditions make travel to work inadvisable or difficult (a concern for personal health or safety or responsibility for a child or other dependent, which, for example, may be complicated by school closings or elder-care placement problems), working remotely or an absence may be the most suitable course of action. 

Please use your own discretion in such cases and, if appropriate, discuss your plans with your manager or adviser.

NOTE: Employees who choose to stay at home and not work will be expected to cover the absence with vacation or personal time. In such cases, a manager and staff member should agree as to how the absence will be recorded; that is, whether the time should be made up or taken as a vacation or personal day.

For the latest information about the status of university operations during inclement weather, please contact the University Weather and Special Conditions line at (49) 6-NEWS (6397) for information or visit the Harvard homepage at www.harvard.edu. No information means business as usual.

If you have any further questions about the inclement weather policies, please inquire with the Human Resources Office.