Update: University open for classes, business

The UW–Madison campus continues to be open for classes and business, today, Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Forecasts are calling for snow all day and a total accumulation of 6-11 inches before Tuesday night. Faculty, staff and students are urged to use caution when traveling to and from campus.

A campus Snow Action Day has been called. Motorists are encouraged to park in cleared parking areas, where possible. Action Days will allow crews to clear snow more effectively by prioritizing streets, parking areas and sidewalks.

Please note, a Snow Action Day is an advisory and a call to action, and does not mean that classes are cancelled or the university has been closed. For more info, visit http://www.news.wisc.edu/15963

Any changes to campus operations will be announced on TV, radio, the news page and university home page. Other cancellations will be posted as available.

Students, faculty and staff should be aware of the following snow-related policies:

• Students who feel it is unsafe to travel to campus should contact their professors or teaching assistants about making up missed class time. Professors and teaching assistants are asked to be flexible in dealing with student requests.
• Employees are advised to use their own discretion regarding their health and safety and that of their family members, but they are required to use accrued holiday, vacation or compensation time to cover any absences. Supervisors are advised to be flexible in their approval of employee-requested leave in inclement weather situations.

Separately, The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect throughout the entire City of Madison including the downtown/isthmus snow emergency zone.

Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Residents who must park on the street this evening should park on the EVEN house numbered side of the street. Vehicles parked on the street Wednesday evening December 10th should be parked on the ODD house numbered side of the street. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators could also be towed.

The Snow Emergency will remain in effect until at least 7 a.m. on Thursday December 11th.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of city-owned ramps in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City ramps from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. If you enter before 9 p.m. or leave after 7 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9 p.m. and from 7 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the ramps overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in city ramps longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and ramps are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Madison residents can get complete snow emergency information at www.cityofmadison.com/winter or by calling 261-9111.

For updates on Madison Metro schedules and delays, visit http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/metro/metro.html.