Athens Alerts
Ohio Alert
OHIO's Fall Commencement Ceremony (Dec. 13) is anticipated to continue as scheduled.
The University will continue to monitor inclement weather conditions over the next 48 hours. Please exercise caution if you are planning to travel to and/or around campus this weekend.
- Friday 12/12/25 - 1:05pm
OHIO's Fall Commencement Ceremony is anticipated to continue as scheduled.
Winter weather and frigid temperatures are anticipated to move across much of Ohio and the surrounding region in the coming days.Students, employees, families, guests and others planning to participate in the Dec. 13 Commencement Ceremony on ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ’s Athens campus are encouraged to remain aware of how adverse weather conditions, at both their departure and destination locations, could potentially impact their scheduled travel plans.Individuals are encouraged to take necessary precautions, including the consideration of postponing their personal, on-campus commencement celebrations until a later date in the event they are faced with locally adverse weather conditions.This year's Fall Commencement ceremony will also be for those unable to attend in person.If you choose to travel to campus:
- Plan your travel ahead of time and monitor all weather conditions.
- Be very cautious on roadways, sidewalks and other surfaces.
- Keep all vehicle windows and mirrors free of snow, ice and salt spray to maximize visibility.
- Slow down when approaching a snowplow or other snow removal equipment.
If you are already on campus:
- Crews with Facilities Management are on standby to clear campus parking lots, paths and walkways; however, the potential for icy or slick spots could remain.
- Those with concerns about campus facilities are encouraged to contact OHIO’s Facilities Management and Safety team at 740-593-2911.
If you are uncertain about the status of an upcoming campus or community event, please contact the event organizer(s) directly.About Snow Level Emergency Levels in Athens County
It is important to note that county sheriffs across the State of Ohio, including , may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close the state roads and municipal streets within their jurisdiction when such action is reasonably necessary to preserve the public peace (per Ohio Revised Code sections and ).
In the event a Level 2 Snow Emergency is declared in Athens County: ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ would remain open and operational. Motorists should use extreme caution, and only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads.
In the event a Level 3 Snow Emergency is declared in Athens County: ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ would close, and all campus events would be canceled until further notice. All area roadways would be closed to all individuals, except non-emergency personnel, until the Level 3 Snow Emergency is officially lifted.
Additional details about the weather classifications utilized by the Athens County Sheriff’s Office .
Additional information and updates
Please continue to stay tuned to this OHIO Alerts Page for the latest updates on winter weather conditions and any needed status updates regarding OHIO's Fall Commencement ceremony.
As always, the safety of all OHIO students, employees, their families, friends, guests and visitors remains our utmost priority, and we will continue to monitor the forecasted weather conditions in the coming days.
Campus Status
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Emergency: 911
OUPD: 740-593-1911 (Non-Emergency)
Facilities: 740-593-2911 (Emergency)
OHIO Alert Classifications
OHIO Alerts deliver timely, important information in the event of a campus incident or emergency; each Alert is color-coded to indicate a situation’s anticipated impact on the University community — GREEN for general information related to campus safety and/or operations, YELLOW for urgent campus situations that pose an emerging risk to campus safety and/or routine operations and RED for critical campus incidents that require immediate action.
Informational
Provides general or routine campus safety and/or operational updates; unlikely to require action by the University community.
Urgent
Provides information regarding an emerging situation that could negatively impact campus safety and/or normal operations; may include University instructions and/or suggested action steps.
Critical
Utilized in the event of an imminent campus threat or emergency that will impact the life, health and safety of the University community; requires immediate community attention and action.
Stay Current. Remain Informed.
All OHIO students, faculty and staff are automatically signed up for alerts based on the mobile phone number provided to the University. Help us ensure that OHIO is able to share timely emergency updates with you by taking a moment to review your contact information.
OHIO Alert Notifications
The following methods of communication are available across OHIO and can be utilized in the event of a campus emergency. It is important to note that emergency situations are often different and unique – not every method will be utilized in every instance.
Web
OHIO’s Alert webpage () is the University’s primary method for sharing information with the University community during a potential or developing life, health and/or safety situation at one or more of OHIO’s campus locations. OHIO Alerts are color-coded, and an informational banner may appear across the top of relevant webpages depending on the nature of the emergency.
Text Message
In the event of an identified urgent or critical alert, OHIO will share important information and/or guidance with the University community directly to their cellular phone numbers. Updates may be sent as needed while a situation evolves. Visit for the most up-to-date information.
In the event of an identified urgent or critical alert, OHIO will share important information and/or guidance with the University community via their @ohio.edu email addresses. Updates may be sent as needed while a situation evolves. Visit for the most up-to-date information.
Social Media
Following communication through the University’s primary channels (web, text and email), ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ may communicate through its official social media channels, primarily via and , during a potential or ongoing critical incident.
Outdoor Emergency Notification System (Siren/PA system)
Each of OHIO’s campuses is equipped with an outdoor emergency notification system (audible siren/PA), that may be used to notify the campus community of weather-related situations or other emergencies as deemed necessary by the university. An audible educational test of the outdoor emergency notification system occurs each academic semester.
Digital Signage
ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ may share critical incident communications via the digital display systems that are prominently installed in many academic, departmental and residential buildings across the Athens campus and many buildings on our regional campuses.
Non-tech Methods
When needed, the University may also utilize non-technical means of communication, including: on-the-ground notifications teams, outdoor bullhorns, printed alerts and more.