Condition Change / Adverse Event Information
Update: July 29, 2026 - 8:17PM
RamADVISORY: Return to Normal Operations and Water Service Update
Water service is in the process of being substantially restored following the major water main break affecting the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County water system. While repairs are ongoing and some areas may continue to experience reduced water pressure, the university will end Condition 2: Suspended Operations and resume normal campus operations at 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
During normal operations, classes will begin at their regularly scheduled times, and all departments are expected to resume normal operations. Employees should report to their assigned duty stations or have approved leave in place. Employees who choose not to report to work must use personal leave (bonus, compensatory, or vacation), as adverse weather leave is not permitted once normal operations have resumed.
Students, faculty, and staff should be aware that intermittent fluctuations in water pressure will continue as utility crews complete repairs and stabilize the water system. University officials will continue to closely monitor conditions and remain in communication with utilities officials.
Dining services will continue to operate under normal schedules. Bottled water, hand sanitizer stations, and portable restroom facilities will remain available for residential students. Students living on campus will receive additional information and guidance directly from Housing and Residence Life as needed.
As a precaution, a Boil Water Advisory is in effect. Until the advisory is lifted, it is recommended that all water used for human consumption be boiled or that bottled water be used instead.
This includes water used for:
- Drinking
- Making ice
- Brushing teeth
- Washing dishes
- Food preparation
Bring water to a vigorous boil for at least one (1) minute before using it. Boiling water for one minute will kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present. More information about the Boil Water Advisory is available from the City of Winston-Salem webpage.
The university will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available, including notification when the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted. Please continue to monitor your university email, the university website, and official emergency notification systems for the latest information.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation throughout this incident.
July 29, 2026 - 1:00PM
RamADVISORY: Campus Operating Condition Notice
Due to major water main breaks affecting Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, Winston-Salem State University will be moving to Condition 2: Suspended Operations at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, until further notice.
Under this condition, classes are canceled and the university is open on a limited basis for mandatory operations only. Non-mandatory employees must take personal leave time (bonus, compensatory, vacation, or adverse weather) for this day. Employees who choose to use adverse weather leave must make this day up within 90 days. Employees are permitted to work remotely without using personal leave time with supervisor approval. If you have questions about remote work or leave options, please contact Human Resources, who are prepared to assist.
University officials are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local utility officials. Updates regarding campus operations will be provided as additional information becomes available.
All employees should work remotely. Employees whose jobs cannot be performed remotely should contact their supervisor regarding work expectations. If remote work is not possible, staff members may take leave during Condition 2.
Water supplies and hand sanitizer are being made available for on campus residents. Meals for residential students are available in the Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center within normal operating hours.
Please continue to monitor your university email, the university website and official emergency notification systems for the latest information.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding.
February 3, 2026 | 1:10PM
University Operating Status
The university will move to Condition 1—Reduced Operations beginning at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 4th, through 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5th. Weather-permitting, the university will resume normal operations, including in-person instruction, on Thursday, February 5 at 7:00 a.m.
Under Condition 1—Reduced Operations, please observe the following protocols
STUDENTS
- Classes will be conducted remotely on Wednesday, (2/4).
- Classes will resume in person on Thursday (2/5)
EMPLOYEES
- The campus is open and operational. Employees should use their best judgment when deciding whether to return to campus.
- Remote work is permissible with supervisor approval.
- Questions or concerns about leave or remote work may be directed to Human Resources, ohr@wssu.edu
Weather and travel conditions will be closely monitored throughout this period, and timely updates will be shared if conditions evolve. Everyone is asked to please use extra caution on campus walkways, stairs, and ramps, as slick spots may be present under these weather conditions.
Please continue to monitor official communication channels, including:
- Official university emails
- WSSU websites: www.wssu.edu and www.wssu.edu/weather
- WSSU RamALERT: All official university email addresses are automatically enrolled. To receive text and voice notifications, please register your mobile number. (If you have not signed up, click here to register.)
- WSSU Weather Phone Line: (336) 750-3456
February 1, 2026 | 10:40AM
University Operating Status
The university will move to Condition 2—Suspended Operations beginning at 12:00 p.m. today, February 1, through 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4. Weather and travel conditions will be closely monitored throughout this period, and timely updates will be shared as conditions evolve.
Under Condition 2—Suspended Operations, please observe the following protocols:
STUDENTS
- All classes will be conducted remotely on Monday (2/2) and Tuesday (2/3).
- Students should regularly monitor their university email and Canvas for course-specific instructions and updates from instructors.
EMPLOYEES
- To ensure continuity of student support and essential operations, remote work is strongly encouraged if possible with supervisor approval.
- If remote work is not possible, staff members may take leave during Condition 2. Personal leave or inclement weather leave may be used.
- Please note that inclement weather leave must be made up in accordance with university policy.
- Questions or concerns about leave or remote work may be directed to Human Resources, ohr@wssu.edu.
We ask all members of the campus community to remain attentive and continue monitoring official university communication channels for updates:
- Official university emails
- WSSU websites: www.wssu.edu and www.wssu.edu/weather
- WSSU RamALERT: All official university email addresses are automatically enrolled. To receive text and voice notifications, please register your mobile number. (If you have not signed up, click here to register.)
- WSSU Weather Phone Line: (336) 750-3456
Thank you for your continued cooperation and commitment to campus safety.
January 30, 2026 | 1:10PM
University Operating Status
The University will continue to operate under Condition 1 – Reduced Operations until further notice.
The university will remain open, and everyone is asked to please use extra caution on campus walkways, stairs, and ramps as there may be slick spots present under these weather conditions.
University officials are actively monitoring weather conditions and will communicate additional updates on Sunday regarding classes and university operating conditions for next week.
Please continue to monitor official communication channels.
January 28, 2026 | 5:20PM
University Operating Status
Due to overnight extreme cold, the risk that melting ice will refreeze, and in preparation for possible winter weather impacts this weekend; campus will move to Condition 1– Reduced Operations at 6 p.m. tonight until 7 a.m. on Saturday, January 31st.
Under Condition 1:
- All classes are virtual. Students should check with individual instructors and within their Canvas courses for instructions.
- Non-mandatory employees who do not report to work or report to work late are responsible for communicating with their supervisor in a timely manner about all such decisions and are required to use accrued compensatory time, if available, annual leave, personal observance leave, special leave, bonus leave, or leave without pay (LWOP).
- Remote work is permissible, depending upon the nature of the employee’s job and with the supervisor's prior approval.
The university will remain open, but employees and students should use their best judgment when deciding whether it is safe to travel to campus. Everyone is asked to please use extra caution on campus walkways, stairs, and ramps as there may be slick spots present under these weather conditions.
January 27, 2026 | 1:30PM
University Operating Status
The University will continue to operate under Condition 2 - Suspended Operations until until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28th.
At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the University will resume normal operations. During normal operations:
- At 11 a.m., classes will resume at their regularly scheduled time.
- Departments should resume normal operations; all employees are expected to be at their duty stations or have received approval for leave time on or before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28th.
- Employees choosing not to report to work during normal operations must use personal leave time (bonus, compensatory, or vacation).
- Adverse weather leave is not permissible under normal operations.
Because of lingering cold temperatures, everyone is asked to please use extra caution on campus walkways, stairs, and ramps as there may be slick spots present.
January 26, 2026 | 3:30PM
Winter Weather/Campus Condition Update
Campus will continue to operate under Condition 2 - Suspended Operations until until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28th.
Under this condition, classes are canceled and the university is open on a limited basis for mandatory operations only. Non-mandatory employees must take personal leave time (bonus, compensatory, vacation, or adverse weather) for this day. Employees who choose to use adverse weather leave must make this day up within 90 days. Employees are permitted to work remotely without using personal leave time with supervisor approval. If you have questions about remote work or leave options, please contact Human Resources, who are prepared to assist.
The university will continue to share timely developments through official communication channels including:
- Official university emails
- WSSU websites: www.wssu.edu and www.wssu.edu/weather
- WSSU RamALERT: All official university email addresses are automatically enrolled, however, you must register your mobile number for texts and voice messages. (If you have not signed up, click here to register now.)
- WSSU Weather Phone Line: (336) 750-3456
Dining Hours: January 27
Kennedy Dining Hall
- Brunch 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Dinner 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Amon C-Store
- 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
January 23, 2026
January 23, 2026 | 1:10PM
Dear Ramily,
Current weather forecasts indicate that a winter storm is expected to impact our area beginning this weekend with the potential for hazardous travel conditions and disruptions to normal campus operations.
The university is actively monitoring the forecast and coordinating closely with the WSSU Office of Emergency Management to help maintain the safety and well-being of our faculty, staff and students.
University Operating Status
The university will operate under Condition 2 - Suspended Operations beginning Saturday at 12 p.m. until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26.
Under this condition, classes are canceled and the university is open on a limited basis for mandatory operations only. Non-mandatory employees must take personal leave time (bonus, compensatory, vacation, or adverse weather) for this day. Employees who choose to use adverse weather leave must make this day up within 90 days.
Employees are permitted to work remotely without using personal leave time with supervisor approval. If you have questions about remote work or leave options, please contact Human Resources, who are prepared to assist.
Preparedness
All members of the campus community are encouraged to make personal preparations in advance of the storm, including planning for possible power outages, travel delays, and limited access to services.
Students who choose to travel home are strongly encouraged to do so ahead of the storm. Students who remain on campus should be prepared for the possibility that some services or amenities may be modified and temporarily interrupted due to weather conditions. Students are advised to check their university emails regularly for important updates and resources from Student Affairs.
Continued Monitoring and Updates
The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority when making inclement weather decisions about campus operations. We recognize that conditions change quickly, and as such, we monitor the weather very carefully. Please keep an eye on your university email for timely updates. Also, please share this information with your colleagues who may need additional assistance.
Everyone is encouraged to remain attentive to official university messages, monitor local weather reports, and take appropriate precautions to stay safe.
Dining Hours:
January 24 - January 26
Kennedy Dining Hall
- Brunch 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Dinner 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Amon C-Store
- 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
January 23, 2026 | 1:10PM
Dear Ramily,
Current weather forecasts indicate that a winter storm is expected to impact our area beginning this weekend with the potential for hazardous travel conditions and disruptions to normal campus operations.
The university is actively monitoring the forecast and coordinating closely with the WSSU Office of Emergency Management to help maintain the safety and well-being of our faculty, staff and students.
University Operating Status
The university will operate under Condition 2 - Suspended Operations beginning Saturday at 12 p.m. until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26.
Under this condition, classes are canceled and the university is open on a limited basis for mandatory operations only. Non-mandatory employees must take personal leave time (bonus, compensatory, vacation, or adverse weather) for this day. Employees who choose to use adverse weather leave must make this day up within 90 days.
Employees are permitted to work remotely without using personal leave time with supervisor approval. If you have questions about remote work or leave options, please contact Human Resources, who are prepared to assist.
Preparedness
All members of the campus community are encouraged to make personal preparations in advance of the storm, including planning for possible power outages, travel delays, and limited access to services.
Students who choose to travel home are strongly encouraged to do so ahead of the storm. Students who remain on campus should be prepared for the possibility that some services or amenities may be modified and temporarily interrupted due to weather conditions. Students are advised to check their university emails regularly for important updates and resources from Student Affairs.
Continued Monitoring and Updates
The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority when making inclement weather decisions about campus operations. We recognize that conditions change quickly, and as such, we monitor the weather very carefully. Please keep an eye on your university email for timely updates. Also, please share this information with your colleagues who may need additional assistance.
Everyone is encouraged to remain attentive to official university messages, monitor local weather reports, and take appropriate precautions to stay safe.
Dining Hours:
January 24 - January 26
Kennedy Dining Hall
- Brunch 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Dinner 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Amon C-Store
- 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
During adverse weather/emergency conditions or closures, suspension of non-mandatory operations for those instances which are not truly emergency but reflect conditions on campus that compromise safety are explained below.
Communication Methods
When any of the conditions below are applied the communications methods that follow will be utilized to communicate to the campus.
- RamALERT, WSSU webpage, and the WSSU weather phone line are the most reliable sources for information regarding adverse weather affecting operating conditions at WSSU.
- WSSU weather phone line 336-750-3456
- If no condition is communicated, then all business operations are considered normal. Adverse weather leave cannot be used during normal operating conditions.
Adverse Weather/Emergency Conditions:
Adverse weather may create difficulty for employees to report to work or make it advisable for employees to leave the workstation early. Employees who anticipate problems with transportation are encouraged to exercise personal judgment concerning road safety in their areas, and notify their supervisor if they are unable to report.
Non-mandatory employees who do not report to work or report to work late are responsible for communicating with their supervisor in a timely manner about all such decisions and are required to use accrued compensatory time, if available, annual leave, personal observance leave, special leave, bonus leave, or leave without pay (LWOP).
Non-mandatory employees with supervisor approval may opt to “make up” time missed during the event (within 90 days from the date of the event) instead of charging leave.
Remote work is permissible, depending upon the nature of the employee’s job and with the supervisor's prior approval. Non-mandatory employees may also arrange for alternative work locations with prior supervisor or manager approval.
Where operational needs allow, and a supervisor approves, an employee may be allowed to make up the time lost to adverse weather in accordance with the provisions outlined in the state adverse weather policy and UNC System policy.
The suspension of non-mandatory operations is required because of adverse weather conditions. The decision to suspend non-mandatory operations is based on the impact of the adverse weather event on campus, the need for uninterrupted clearance operations, and the duration of the adverse weather event. Non-mandatory employees DO NOT report to work.
Non-mandatory employees in leave generating positions MUST use vacation, bonus, compensatory or adverse weather leave/adverse weather dock if they are not working.
Non-mandatory employees with supervisor approval may opt to “make up” time missed during the event (within 90 days from the date of the event) instead of charging leave.
Remote work is permissible, depending upon the nature of the employee’s job and with the supervisor's prior approval. Non-mandatory employees may also arrange for alternative work locations with prior supervisor/manager approval.
Where operational needs allow, and a supervisor approves, an employee may be allowed to make up the time lost to adverse weather in accordance with the provisions outlined in the state adverse weather policy and UNC System policy.
Conditions necessitate the total closing of the university or the curtailment of operations. These include conditions that may be hazardous to life such as: catastrophic life threatening weather (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood or other natural disaster), fire equipment failure, disruption of power and/or water, contamination by hazardous agents, terrorist acts or forced evacuations from the agency or work site.
During an Emergency Closing of the entire campus, non-mandatory personnel are not required to report to work. Personnel designated as mandatory staff will be required to report to work.
Condition 3 status can only be requested by the Chancellor within 48-hours after the impact has occurred, to be applied retroactively by the UNC System President.
Faculty/Staff on pre-approved leave during a Condition 1, 2, or 3 must apply that leave time for that day/time.
Faculty/Staff scheduled to work outside of the impacted area of campus during a Condition 1, 2, or 3 must code their time as regular hours worked.
Questions regarding the policies and leave time should be directed to the WSSU Office of Human Resources via hrleave@wssu.edu
