NMHU INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
As of March, 2024
New Mexico is blessed with four seasons, and significant snow storms occur nearly every year that can result in either a delayed opening or a cancellation of classes. Decisions to delay or cancel classes are primarily based on local conditions and, in Las Vegas, whether Facilities personnel can open the campus. However, even if campus streets, parking, and sidewalks are generally passable, it is impossible to remove all traces of snow and ice and everyone is advised to use appropriate caution.
In general, it is the policy of New Mexico Highlands University to remain open during regularly scheduled hours. However, if any students, faculty, or staff believe that weather conditions prevent their traveling safely to the university, they may choose to remain at home. In such cases, students who miss class will be responsible for making up any work missed, and faculty should be reasonable in dealing with individual student situations. Employees should consult with their supervisor and arrange for taking annual leave.
Delays and Cancelations
If a two-hour delay is announced for the main campus, courses originating from the main campus starting prior to 9:30 a.m. are cancelled. Courses normally starting at 9:30 a.m. will begin at 10 a.m. Courses beginning at 10 a.m. or later will begin on a normal schedule. Online courses will take place at the discretion of the course’s professor.
- Closures and delays at NMHU-Rio Rancho will be at the discretion of the center director.
- Courses and offices at NMHU-Santa Fe will correspond with Santa Fe Community College delays and closures.
- Courses and offices at NMHU-Farmington will correspond with San Juan Community College delays and closures.
- Courses and offices at NMHU-Española will correspond with Northern New Mexico Community College – Española delays and closures.
- School of Social Work Albuquerque courses and offices will correspond with CNM Main Campus delays and closures.
In the event of a delay or closure at a Center, Center Directors should contact the Director of University Relations to coordinate appropriate announcements.
Weather delays and cancellations are also announced on:
- The university’s website, www.nmhu.edu
- The university’s weather hotline: 505-426-2297 (866-231-2366 outside of Las Vegas)
- The university’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HighlandsUniversity
- The university’s Twitter account: twitter.com/NMHighlands
- KOB, KOAT, and KRQE news stations (NMHU-Las Vegas, NMHU-Rio Rancho only)
- Local radio stations if applicable
- For the main campus, a text alert will also be sent to those students, faculty, and staff who have registered their cell phones with the text alert system. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to register their cell phones to receive weather and other emergency alerts. (To register your cell phone for emergency alerts, log on to “My NMHU” from the university’s website and follow the prompts.
General Guidelines and Conditions
Predicting the weather and the amount of snow yet to fall remains an inexact science and can vary greatly even from one part of town to another. Therefore, based on the latest information available, decisions regarding delays or cancellations will take into consideration the following general guidelines and conditions:
Two-Hour Delay:
- Four or more inches of snow on campus (Melody Park) as of 5 a.m.
- Less than four inches of snow on campus but heavy snow continuing to fall and radar indications that it will continue.
- Extreme wind and temperature conditions as of 5 a.m. and predicted through the day.
- Heavy snow and/or other conditions on campus the night before and National Weather Service forecasts for the following day.
Cancellations and Early Dismissals:
- The conditions that led to a two-hour delay continue or seem likely to continue through the day.
- Four or more inches of snow on campus as of 5 a.m. with heavy snow continuing to fall and radar indications that it will continue.
- Extreme wind and temperature conditions combined with significant snowfall.
- National Weather Service blizzard warning for the Las Vegas area.
- Heavy snow and/or other conditions on campus the night before and National Weather Service forecasts for the following day.
In the event of a snowfall overnight, Campus Police will measure the amount of snow at Melody Park before 5 a.m. and notify the Facilities Director. If conditions warrant, the Facilities Director will notify the President, who will decide by no later than 6 a.m. whether a delay or closure is needed. If a decision to delay or cancel is made, the Facilities Director will notify the Director of University Relations who will implement procedures for notification as outlined above.
The Facilities Director will also inform Facilities staff of the decision and plans for snow removal.