Weather emergency decisions are made with Harvard University, guided by the National Weather Service and government agencies. The University’s policy is to remain open unless directed otherwise by officials. Longwood campus decisions generally follow this policy, though Boston’s unique commuting and snow removal challenges are also considered. Please assume the School is open unless notified.
The HMS community will be notified by email about School closings and all-class cancellations.
During periods of inclement weather, information is available to the HMS community through the following channels:
HMS home page hms.harvard.edu
The Harvard University phone line (listen only): 866-496-NEWS (6397)
Channel 4 (also WBZ NewsRadio 1030), Channel 5, Channel 7, and Channel 10.
Students should refer to Canvas for updates about specific courses and sessions.
HMS Inclement Weather Policy
Staff
Harvard Medical School’s general position regarding inclement weather is that, short of a declared state of emergency, the School remains open. The teaching and research activities of HMS continue despite inclement weather. In such weather emergencies, however, department heads (or designees) may decide to close their work unit and should set up a plan to notify staff. If a department remains open, employees who choose to remain at home must use Paid Time Off (PTO). Due to the complexity of HMS operations, there are certain essential services that must be provided despite the weather. Designated personnel include those engaged in functions of animal care, weather-related facilities operations or critical research tasks.
Students and Faculty
MD Program
In cases of inclement weather, Quad-based MD classes are usually conducted remotely. These arrangements are shared with students and faculty in advance via Canvas and through communications from the Office of Medical Education and Health Sciences and Technology. Students enrolled in clinical clerkships and electives should adhere to guidance from clinical sites, prioritizing safety and communicating directly with site leadership/staff.
Master’s and PhD Programs
For master’s students in remote programs, classes will be held as normal. For master’s students in residential programs, classes are usually conducted remotely. Residential students are informed of these arrangements via email by their course director(s).
Canceling All Classes
In the rare instance that all classes are cancelled, it will be posted on the HMS homepage, announced by email to all master’s students, and announced on TV channels 4, 5, 7, and 10. A “no classes” announcement on these sites and channels will refer to all MD, PhD, and master’s classes on the HMS Quad. Remote courses in master’s programs will be held as normal, unless students are otherwise informed by the course director(s).
Additional Resources
- Boston Police/Fire/Ambulance emergency number: 911
- Harvard University Police Department (HUPD)
- Security and Campus Safety
- Medical Education Student Handbook – Weather and Emergency Policy
- Master’s Student Handbook – Weather and Emergency Conditions Policy
- Security and Emergency Preparedness
- Longwood Maps: AED locations and Evacuation Routes
Harvard University Police Department (HUPD)
Urgent: 617-495-1212
Longwood: 617-432-1212
Business: 617-495-1215
Visit the HUPD website for more information.
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