In a campus-wide email, the University of Idaho Administration explained to students, staff and faculty the distinction between Vandal Alerts and Vandal Notices, as well as how decisions on university closures are made.
“Now, a Vandal Alert is sent for emergency notification where there is a potentially dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, faculty or staff,” Vice President of Finance and Administration Brian Foisy wrote in the email. “A Vandal Notice is used to convey non-urgent information important to the university community.”
Foisy wrote weather-related school closures would be delivered via Vandal Notice. If weather conditions made for dangerous travel, university employees “will not be subject to any manner of discipline,” according to the email. Students, Foisy wrote, should communicate with their instructors should they feel unsafe traveling to class.
In terms of closing campus due to weather, decisions often involve several different parties, from Finance and Administration, Facilities, Latah County officials and Washington State University, according to the email.
“University leadership endeavors to make the best possible decisions with the information we have at hand to keep faculty, staff and students safe while following through on the commitment to provide a quality education and place to work,” Foisy wrote.
UI’s campus closed 1:30 p.m. Wednesday after days of heavy snowfall and a winter storm warning in effect during the beginning of the week. Campus should open Thursday morning.
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brandonmtnhill