MU Inclement Weather FAQ

Where can I find information about university closures due to inclement weather? 

The best way to receive inclement weather notifications is to ensure you are signed up for LiveSafe text alerts.  

Updates regarding Marymount’s closures, delays and other schedule changes, will be announced through various channels, including: 

The university makes every effort to communicate changes to campus operations as soon as a decision is reached. Local media outlets often cover changes to university operations; however, please check the listed university channels for the most up-to-date information. 

How does the university decide when to close the university for inclement weather? 

The university may close, delay opening, switch to remote operations, or close the campus early if inclement weather conditions pose a serious threat to the health and safety of the university community. A variety of factors are taken into consideration, including access to public transportation and Metro, the status of campus roads and sidewalks, availability of power and internet access on campus, conditions on roads and sidewalks off campus and across the region, and the status of the local and federal government as well as other universities within our vicinity. We prioritize our campus safety while doing our absolute best to minimize impacts on the academic and research enterprise. 

During a full campus closure, what offices and departments close? 

When the university is closed, all classes during that time are canceled and all university offices and non-essential services are closed, unless specifically noted. The closing may not apply to essential employees. Those employees should contact their supervisor or department head for instructions. Impacts to on-campus student services are outlined below. 

Who are essential employees? 

The following definitions apply to individuals who are considered essential during inclement weather events: 

  • Weather/Other: Employees who are subject to being required to work because of weather or operational emergencies such as snow removal, flooding, electrical outages, etc. 
  • Catastrophic & Weather/Other: Employees who are subject to being required to work to maintain continuity of university services in the event of any major catastrophic event AND who are also subject to being required to work because of weather or operational emergencies. For certain positions, work may be able to be completed remotely.

If an employee is unsure whether they are an essential employee for inclement weather events, they should contact their supervisor for guidance. 

How are student services affected when the university is closed? 

Information for frequently requested services includes: 

  • Residence Life: When the University is closed due to inclement weather, residence halls remain open, however, Resident Life administrative offices are closed. Resident students who need assistance should contact their residence hall service desk to contact on-duty Resident Life staff. In an emergency, residents should contact the Arlington Virginia Police Department immediately by calling 703-558-2222. Residents should monitor email and LiveSafe updates regularly for any pertinent residence hall updates. 
  • Dining Services: In the event of a campus closure, Dining Services operates on an abbreviated schedule. For up-to-date information, monitor emails and LiveSafe updates from Dining Services with updated hours. 
  • Students Health Services: The Students Health Services hours may vary during weather-related campus closures. If the SHS can open during a campus closure event, they will only be available for urgent visits and will operate with limited hours. Appointments may be rescheduled or canceled if the SHS cannot open during a campus closure event. For life-threatening or mental health emergencies, call 911 or the Arlington Virginia Police Department at 703-558-2222.  
  • Counseling Center & Services: The Marymount Counseling Center & Services is closed whenever the university is closed, including closures for inclement weather.  In the case of an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. 

 

How can I find out about the impacts to transportation and parking? 

You can contact the Shuttle for more information and questions at 202-680-2780 (5am – 1pm) or 202-510-0553 (1pm – 9pm).
For information regarding parking in the case of inclement weather, be sure to monitor emails and LiveSafe updates from parking services concerning garage closures. 

Live updates for the shuttle service & parking will also go out with LiveSafe.  

If my class falls partially during a period when the university is closed, will it still be held? 

Classes scheduled while the university is closed are canceled. In the case of a late opening or early closing, students are expected to report to their classes for any period of time that the university is open. 

For example, if a class runs from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. and the university is opening late at 10 a.m., students will be expected to attend that class for its remaining time, from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. 

How do I find additional information about classes that are changed from in-person to virtual?  

Faculty and instructors are responsible for communicating with students with instructions for participating in their classes virtually. 

Are athletic events canceled when the university is closed? 

Please check the Marymount Athletics main webpage and follow @MarymountSaints on Twitter (X) for the status of athletic events. 

Do the same procedures apply to Ballston/4040? 

When the university decides on its open or closed status, with regard to being affected by inclement weather, the same status applies to our Ballston and 4040 campuses. 

Marymount University Inclement Weather Policy

Marymount’s Weather and Emergency Information Line, (703) 526-6888 (ext. 6888 on campus)

The University’s homepage and local radio and television stations will have the university’s updated status during inclement weather.