Extreme Environmental Conditions
In the event of heavy snow or an extreme weather event, the UBC Okanagan homepage (ok.ubc.ca) is the official source for campus updates, including information about class cancellations and service disruptions.
For public transit service updates, visit Kelowna Regional Transit and Vernon Regional Transit.
Protocol Summary
Extreme environmental conditions may result in the cancellation, curtailment or rescheduling of in-person learning activities or other campus operations.
UBC’s Board of Governors policy states:
“In response to Extreme Environmental Conditions, UBC may cancel, curtail, or reschedule in-person Learning Activities as well as other operations that would otherwise have been scheduled to take place on Campus.” — UBC Policy SC5: Extreme Environmental Conditions
Frequently asked questions
When a decision affects classes or campus operations, information will be shared on ok.ubc.ca and through UBC Okanagan’s primary social media channels.
UBC Alert may also be used to share information by text message and voice call.
Following overnight snowfall, the objective is to make and begin communicating a decision by 6 am.
Conditions can vary across the region. Consider the conditions along your individual travel route and prioritize your personal safety when deciding whether you can safely travel to campus.
Students should contact their instructor if conditions prevent them from safely travelling to campus.
Faculty and staff should contact their supervisor as early as possible if conditions affect their ability to report to work.
Depending on the conditions, the university may make changes to in-person learning activities or other campus operations.
Some services may need to continue even when other campus activities are affected. Faculty and staff should follow direction from their supervisor or unit about work arrangements and responsibilities.
For the university’s official requirements, definitions and decision-making authority, refer to UBC Policy SC5: Extreme Environmental Conditions.
Continue to monitor official UBC Okanagan communications if conditions worsen or change throughout the day.
Students should follow direction from their instructors or academic unit.
Faculty and staff should follow direction from their supervisor or unit regarding changes to work arrangements.
Departments and administrative units may provide additional information to their students, faculty and staff following an official university announcement.
This may include email, website updates, signage or other unit communication channels.
Official university updates should be shared without changing the information provided.
Campus safety
Campus Operations and Risk Management works to maintain a safe, prepared and resilient campus year-round, including during changing or extreme environmental conditions.
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