UTK’s Inclement Weather Policy

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will remain open except in the most severe weather conditions.

* The Chancellor may officially close or suspend selected activities of the University because of extreme weather conditions. When a decision to close is reached, campus and local radio and TV stations will be notified so that appropriate announcements may be made.

* If the University is officially closed, certain essential activities such as food services, facilities services, police, steam plant, health service, and telephone services will continue to operate. Some facilities such as the Library and University Center will, if possible, continue to function as a service to students and faculty. When the University is officially closed, its policy of Days of Administrative Closing will apply for staff exempt and staff nonexempt employees.

* In the event of inclement weather when the University remains open, all faculty, administrators and staff will be expected to make every reasonable effort to maintain their regular work schedules, but are advised to avoid undue risks in traveling. Employees who anticipate arriving late or not arriving at work at all should notify their immediate supervisors. Employees have the option of charging their time off to annual leave or leave without pay; or, with approval, they may make up their lost work hours.

*Students will be responsible for any academic work they miss due to absences caused by severe weather conditions. It is the individual student’s responsibility to take the initiative to make up any missed class work, and it is the instructors’ responsibility to provide a reasonable opportunity for students to complete assignments or examinations missed due to such absences.