Important information on storm closures and overnight parking

The decision to "close"* UPEI due to weather is not made lightly. However, in weather situations where the potential risk to UPEI’s students and employees as well as property, are high, the University may close, meaning classes and exams are cancelled and services are reduced. In 2017, a new University Closure Policy was approved by the UPEI Board of Governors and endorsed by the University Senate. The policy and associated University Closure Procedures help guide senior management in making decisions about storm closures and how to communicate them.

Here is some important information about how we communicate about storm / weather-related closures and things you should keep in mind about parking on campus when UPEI is closed.

How will I know if UPEI is closed?
The University uses a number of different channels to communicate storm closures. These include:

• A message on the home page of upei.ca
• An email via our mass notification system, UPEI Emergency Alert, to all students, faculty, and staff to their upei.ca email account (learn more about UPEI Emergency Alert and how to sign up to receive texts)
• Tweets from University’s Twitter account, follow us @UPEI
• Media outlets (radio, TV, and print news websites) are informed and encouraged to share our status
• A message is placed on the UPEI Campus Closure and Alert Phone Line (902-894-2882)
• A message is placed on the UPEI Campus Screen network (there are screens in several buildings across campus).

When will I know if UPEI has decided to delay opening or close?
When conditions develop outside of normal operating hours, announcements will be made according to the following schedule:

• 6:30 am - The decision to delay opening or close the University will be made on or before 6:30 am. If there is a delay, there will be a further announcement at 10:00 am.
• 10:00 am - The decision to open the University at 12:00 pm or again delay opening will be made on or before 10:00 am. If there is a further delay, the next announcement will be made at 2:00 pm.
• 2:00 pm - The decision to open the University at 4:00 pm for evening classes or close the University for the remainder of the day will be made on or before 2:00 pm.

If the decision to close the University is made during normal operating hours, it will be announced as soon as possible through the University’s various communications channels as outlined above.

Will the UPEI reopen after a closure announcement is made?
When the conditions that caused the closure improve and no longer pose a danger to the University community or prevent the normal operation of the campus, UPEI may reopen all or parts of the campus. The change in status will be announced as soon as possible through the University’s various communications channels as outlined above. For more information, email communications@upei.ca

Winter Parking Restrictions
From November 1 to April 30, winter restrictions on overnight campus parking are enforced. Parking Lot “A” is the only lot where overnight parking is permitted for the winter season. Residents of Andrew Hall and Bernardine Hall may park overnight in the Andrew Hall lot, provided that their vehicles are moved to Lot “A” during storm conditions and until the lots have been plowed after a storm.

If vehicles are left in any parking lot other than Lot “A” during storms or before snow removal is complete, the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense. Facilities Management appreciates your co-operation to ensure parking lots are cleared safely. If you have any questions or concerns regarding winter parking, contact Mark Pharand, Manager, Security Services, at mpharand@upei.ca.

*Technically, UPEI is only closed completely in extreme circumstances, as there are essential personnel who need to work on campus and we have students living in residence. However, the University will use the word “closed” to communicate to the campus community that classes and most services are suspended.