Snow Closing Information
Classes and Weather-Related Closings and Delays
Here's how to find out if Frostburg State University will be closed or have a delayed opening on inclement weather days, including special instructions for online and hybrid (blended) classes.
If the campus is closed:
- In-person classes are canceled.
- Fully online classes will continue regardless of campus status.
It's Snowing! Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Make sure you know how to find out if FSU will be closed, have a delayed opening or close early on bad weather days.
The most reliable information regarding delayed openings and cancellations will be from FSU-controlled outlets (University voicemail, email, Burg Alerts, website). Notification of delays or closures will also be made through these outlets:
- Main University Number (301-687-4000, option 2) after 6 a.m.
- Via Burg Alert text and email alerts. Registration information is below.
- Through campus email
- On top of the homepage of the FSU website
- Via FSU Twitter and FSU Facebook pages
- Through local radio stations
Burg Alerts
Everyone with an FSU email is automatically signed up for Burg Alerts TO THAT EMAIL. Burg Alerts, in addition to weather notifications, alert the campus in an emergency.
You may also opt to have alerts sent as text messages to your cell phones (standard texting rates apply) and to other email addresses. To sign up, go to the BURG Alert page or click the Emergency link at the bottom of the FSU home page. Follow the instructions, using your FSU user name and password to access the site. You have the option of having alerts sent to two cell numbers and six email addresses. (You may add your family members, or they may create their own accounts at the link above.) Make sure to follow the validation steps to activate your choices.
If you spend any time in the Frostburg area, it is highly recommended that you sign up for the text alerts to ensure you are notified of emergencies or weather-related schedule changes.
Unless an FSU closure is announced on the outlets above, WE ARE OPEN. The final decision regarding your safety resides with you. If, in your judgment, it is not safe for you to come to work while the University is still open, you must contact your supervisor and provide this information. In the event that liberal leave is announced for employees, it is expected that everyone will make an effort to report to work. Employees who take liberal leave will be charged for the appropriate leave time. The announcement of liberal leave DOES NOT cancel classes, nor does it relieve essential employees of their need to report to work during inclement weather.
FOR STUDENTS
The announcement of liberal leave for employees DOES NOT cancel classes. If you have concerns about your ability to make it to class in bad weather, discuss them with your faculty members BEFORE the weather turns nasty.
Depending on the severity of the weather, the Lane University Center, the Cordts PE Center and Ort Library may open with limited hours and services on days that classes are canceled. This service is for students living on campus and within walking distance. Do not attempt to drive to campus if the weather is severe enough to warrant closing the University, for your own safety and for the sake of those who must work to clear parking lots and sidewalks. When it is determined that it is safe to open these buildings, announcements will be made via student email and the website homepage.
If you use SafeRide, there's a new way to stay informed in case SafeRide does not run in bad weather. Text the word "saferide" to 79516. You will receive a confirmation text that tells you that you have signed up successfully. You must have already signed up for Burg Alerts to use this service.
FOR FACULTY/STAFF
Weather-related closures or delays apply to employees whether working on campus or teleworking. Personnel compensation for closures or delays will be based on the appropriate cancellation/delay message as presented on the FSU voice-mail system. A reminder: Essential personnel are required to report to work in the event of any cancellation or delay. These individuals have been notified of their "essential" status by their department heads. If you are unsure of your status, please check with your supervisor.
If, in your judgment, it is not safe for you to come to work or to class while the University is still open, you must contact your supervisor and provide this information. In the event that liberal leave is announced for employees, it is expected that everyone will make an effort to report to work and class. Employees who take liberal leave will be charged for the appropriate leave time. The announcement of liberal leave DOES NOT cancel classes, nor does it relieve essential employees of their need to report to work during inclement weather.
Ways to check road conditions
- FSU campus weather cam on Weather Bug (Other regional cams can be found here, too.)
- Maryland DOT statewide cams
- I-68 Exit 33 cam
- Local NWS Office
- Hourly Forecasts
- NWS Winter Weather Page