Update on snowstorm and on-campus activities March 4

Over the course of the last 24 hours, we have experienced a significant snow event and will require a few days to clear snow from campus, including all roads, parking lots, walkways, and building entrances. 

In short, please avoid coming to campus. The campus will remain open, but services and activities will be curtailed to allow for snow clearing to take place. 

If you are able to work remotely on Monday, March 4, please consider this option and discuss with your supervisor. 

In-person classes and labs will not proceed, and individual instructors and colleges will reach out regarding alternatives. This includes any arrangements required for scheduled assessment activities. 

Some of the changes to schedules and closures on Monday, March 4 include: 

• Closure of the PAC and cancellation of recreation activities; 
• The on-campus dental clinic will be closed; 
• USSU daycare will be closed; 
• On-campus libraries will be closed, but online services will be available; 
• Student Wellness appointments have been moved to virtual; and 
• Indigenous Achievement Week events planned for tomorrow are being re-scheduled. 
• Food services for those living in residence will remain available.  

There are a number of employees who are required to be on campus for day-to-day operations of university facilities. Those individuals should plan to come to work as usual. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.  

If you are required to be on campus, please be cautious as the university continues to work to clear all the snow and follow the below winter safety tips: 

• Vehicles should be mindful of areas that have not yet been cleared.  With the amount of snow that has accumulated, you can easily get stuck. 
• Vehicles and pedestrians should pay extra attention for icy patches, especially at crosswalks. 
• Plan a safe route to and from your vehicle and avoid using “goat paths” or creating your own path through the snow. 
• Use rubber-soled winter footwear and add traction aids if you need extra support. 
• Pay attention and avoid using your phone. 
• Focus on where you are walking, watch for ice or questionable spots, and avoid them. 
• More tips 

Please be patient with snow removal efforts on campus. USask crews are using every piece of equipment available — including large loaders and graders, smaller motorized equipment, and shovels and blowers — to remove snow as quickly and as safely as possible with the support of contractors.  

Report any problem areas to facilities.support@usask.ca or use the Safety Resources Report a Hazard system. Report all incidents, including slips, trips, and falls, to Safety Resources to improve workplace safety. 

USask will provide an update on Monday regarding progress and snow removal status. We anticipate a return to regular operations on Tuesday, March 5.