Severe Weather Operations Policy
At Capital University, your safety comes first. When severe weather or hazardous conditions arise, we review the situation carefully to decide whether to delay opening, close early, cancel classes, or close campus entirely. Here’s how we make those decisions, and how we’ll keep you informed.
How We Decide to Delay, Close Early, or Cancel
When inclement weather arises, campus conditions and surrounding areas are assessed early in the morning and throughout the day. The goal is simple: make sure it’s safe for you to travel and move around campus.
We look closely at safety factors such as:
- Road and highway conditions in the Columbus area
- Snow emergency levels in surrounding counties
- Campus walkways and parking lots and whether they can be cleared safely
- Visibility issues from snow, ice, or heavy wind
- Public transportation delays or suspensions
- Forecasts that predict worsening conditions throughout the day
If these conditions pose a risk, the University may:
- Delay opening campus (for example, a two-hour delay)
- Cancel morning or evening classes
- Close campus early if conditions worsen
- Close campus for the full day
We will aim to make decisions by:
- 5 a.m. for delays, morning closures, and morning class cancelations
- 12 p.m. (noon) for evening cancelations or early closures
If rapid changes occur, we’ll communicate updates as quickly as possible.
What a Delay or Early Closure Means
Students, you have a responsibility to contact your instructors for updates on class schedules and plans. Please communicate with your instructors as soon as possible if you are not traveling to class.
Employees, you have a responsibility to contact your supervisor to discuss your work plan.
How You’ll Hear from Us
Once a decision is made, we’ll share information as quickly as possible through these sources:
- Text from CapAlerts (Public Safety)=
- Email from Capital Communications and/or CapAlerts
- Alerts on capital.edu websites
- Social media (Facebook, X/Twitter)
- Local television media outlets, when appropriate
- NBC4, WSYX6/Fox/CW, WBNS10TV, Spectrum
If Campus Stays Open
Even when conditions aren’t severe enough to close campus, there may be times when you don’t feel traveling is safe due to weather conditions in your area.
- Reach out to your instructor or supervisor to discuss alternative class or work plans
- Put your personal safety first
Closings Unrelated to Weather
On rare occasions, it might be necessary for the University to close a building or buildings due to loss of power, loss of heat, construction, etc. In such a situation, you will be notified via the same communications as a weather closing. Please read and listen carefully, as the closure may only affect a single building or section of campus while the rest of the University remains open.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
Staying informed helps keep everyone safe. Sign up for CapAlerts and update your contact information, follow our communication channels, and check for updates whenever weather conditions may impact campus operations.
Signing Up for CapAlerts
You must opt in to receive CapAlerts, the University’s official emergency notification system. CapAlerts deliver urgent messages via text, email, desktop notifications, Big Voice (campuswide loud speaker) and social media.
To ensure you receive emergency alerts on your mobile phone and alternative email account, please take a moment to update your contact preferences in the MyCap portal. Your Capital University email account will automatically receive emergency alerts by default. To start the registration process: