University Alert Messaging Center

The RWU Community central hub for detailed emergency and storm status information.

Operating Level 3 remains for Thursday and Friday

Update: 02/25/26 at 3:30 p.m.

Dear RWU Community,

In the wake of this historic blizzard that has impacted the region, RWU recognizes that our community members may continue to face personal and logistical challenges. We are committed to approaching this unprecedented moment of recovery with flexibility and understanding. 

RWU’s Bristol Campus will remain at Operating Level 3 on Thursday and Friday to support the impact this severe weather has had on our community of students, faculty, staff, and their families. 

RWU’s Providence campus is fully operational and is open. However, please plan for extra time to find street parking, as it is limited due to ongoing snow removal in the City of Providence. 

This prolonged level status is intended to guide our community as we resume teaching, learning, and campus operations while balancing individual health and safety. Supervisors should exercise discretion about the need to continue working remotely, given differences in personal circumstances related to the storm and the unevenness of cleanup efforts across the region.

Faculty and students should continue remote instruction. However, faculty who are able to be on campus and whose courses require in-person instruction can consider communicating with their students in advance to allow time for travel and parking. Faculty should use the Learning Management System (LMS) to update students on the status of their individual classes regularly. Those meeting in person should plan to offer hybrid instruction and record sessions if students cannot attend in person due to travel/power/internet issues. 

Community members should be mindful of their own situation as well as that of their colleagues and classes. Commuter students, please reach out to your faculty and student support services to communicate your circumstances. 

Dining Services

Upper Commons

• 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Continental Breakfast, Coffee
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch menu. Facilities/Public Safety snow crews welcome.
• 2 p.m. Continued limited service.
• 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dinner service.

Lower Commons

• 1 p.m. to midnight. 

Retail locations will be closed (GHH Starbucks, Café Express, Hawk's Nest, Roger's Café).

Parking and Shuttle Service

The facilities team is working to clear, and the campus parking ban remains in place for residential students until 12 a.m. on Thursday, unless the current lot of your vehicle is subject to being emptied for snow removal. A separate communication will go out today detailing plans and timing for moving cars to support snow removal of all student lots.

• The top of the parking garage lot is not clear.
• Any students arriving on campus under the modified parking ban are asked to park in Lot D. 
• Faculty and staff returning to campus tomorrow should park in the Administration lot or the Faculty and Staff Lot at the top of Old Ferry Road.
• RWU Shuttle Service Almeida & High Street running as scheduled, starting at 4 p.m.

All University Services are open and available. 

• Health Services opens at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Please use the appointment system on their webpage to make an appointment. Please look for check-in instructions on the second floor.
• The Counseling Center will open at 9 a.m. tomorrow, and sessions will resume in person unless a student with an appointment is otherwise notified. Those without appointments can call (401) 254-3124, or in emergencies, contact Public Safety at (401) 254-3333. Please look for check-in instructions on the 2nd floor.

Health, Safety, Caution

We are working to clear campus parking lots, widen walkways, ensure clear access to doorways, and maximize accessibility. Take care and exercise caution when walking and traveling on campus. Areas to be mindful of include drifts, downed trees in some areas, and walking with traffic. Please do not sit in a running vehicle without ensuring proper ventilation — including clearing snow from the tailpipe and, if necessary, slightly opening windows — to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has updated its information. For the latest updates, visit their website at https://riema.ri.gov/.

The RWU Alert Messaging Center at rwu.edu/alert provides the latest information for the Roger Williams University community.

In case of an emergency on campus, contact the RWU Department of Public Safety at (401) 254-3333.

Severe weather affects individuals and families differently, and we remain mindful that access to transportation, childcare, housing stability, power, and internet connectivity may be disrupted. These are times for open communications and decision-making across our community. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Emergency Management Team

RWU moving to Operating Level 3 for Wednesday, Feb 25

Update: 02/24/26 at 2:30 p.m.

RWU’s Bristol Campus is moving to Operating Level 3 beginning at 12 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25. Faculty and students should continue with remote instruction where possible. Due to restricted parking and ongoing snow removal on campus and in the region, supervisors should exercise discretion and communicate with their employees about working remotely or in person.

While our crews continue to make progress on snow removal, many walkway, building, and parking lot access points still need to be cleared. We ask that you please remain patient as these operations are ongoing. 

To limit the number of cars on campus during snow removal, we are extending the campus parking ban for residential students until 12 a.m. on Thursday. Anyone coming to the campus under the modified parking ban on Wednesday is asked to park in Lot D. RWU Shuttle Service is not expected to resume until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.

RWU’s Providence campus is fully operational and will be open tomorrow. However, please be mindful that street parking is extremely limited due to the ongoing snow removal within the City of Providence. 

Please continue to exercise caution around trucks and snow removal team activity, as visibility may be limited. Be aware of deep snow drifts that can be several feet high; take care while navigating around them.

Bristol Campus Student Services for Wednesday, February 25
University Library: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Architecture Library: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Rec Center: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Dining Services
Upper Commons
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch menu. Facilities/Public Safety snow crews welcome.
2 p.m. Continued limited service and hot cocoa station.
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dinner service.

Lower Commons
1 p.m. to midnight. 
All other retail locations will be closed all day Wednesday (GHH Starbucks, Café Express, Hawk's Nest, Roger's Café).
 

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has updated its information. For the latest updates, visit the RIEMA website.

The RWU Alert Messaging Center at rwu.edu/alert provides the latest information for the Roger Williams University community.

In case of an emergency on campus, contact the RWU Department of Public Safety at (401) 254-3333.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to manage these weather-related adjustments.

RWU moving to Operating Level 4 for Tuesday, Feb 24

Update: 02/23/26 at 4:30 p.m.

Dear RWU Community,

Beginning at 4 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24, all RWU campuses will move to Operating Level 4. Classes will move to remote delivery whenever possible, and staff should work remotely if able. 

• Due to the current conditions, all campus operations and events are canceled or will move online tomorrow, and only essential services personnel must report for duty.
  • All non-essential employees should not report to work and will not lose pay if they cannot work remotely during this short-term emergency.
• Classes that can be held remotely are at the instructor's discretion.
  • If remote delivery is not feasible (e.g., labs or performances), instructors will arrange alternatives for class meetings. Students should connect with each professor through the Bridges or Brightspace apps for specific class details.
• The parking bans will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday. Our facilities staff are actively working to maintain essential operations.
• The significant snowfall combined with the wind has posed challenges for snow removal on campus and throughout the state. Please exercise caution around trucks and snow removal team activity, as visibility may be limited. Be aware of deep snow drifts that can be several feet high; take care while navigating around them.

Dining

Monday, February 23

Upper Commons

• Till 7:30 p.m. Dinner service

Lower Commons and retail locations remain closed today (GHH Starbucks, Café Express, Hawk's Nest, Roger's Café).

Tuesday, February 24

Upper Commons

• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Brunch Menu. Facilities/Public Safety snow crews welcome.
• 2 p.m. Continued limited service and hot cocoa station.
• 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Dinner service.

Lower Commons will be open from 5 p.m. until midnight on Tuesday. All other retail locations will be closed all day Tuesday (GHH Starbucks, Café Express, Hawk's Nest, Roger's Café).

Campus Services

Information regarding student services and facility openings will be communicated directly via email to undergraduate, graduate, and law students for the Bristol campus. Please note that the Providence campus building will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has updated its information. For the latest updates, visit the RIEMA website.

The RWU Alert Messaging Center at rwu.edu/alert provides the latest information for the Roger Williams University community.

In case of an emergency on campus, contact the RWU Department of Public Safety at (401) 254-3333.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to manage these weather-related adjustments.

Stay safe and warm,
Emergency Management Team

Update: 02/23/26 at 12:30 p.m.

Dear RWU Community,

The blizzard continues to create significant hazardous travel and power conditions for the region. Heavy snow accumulations of 9 to 13 inches, or more, are possible on top of what has already fallen. Storm predictions are up to 30 inches of snow in some parts of the state. RWU campuses remain at an Operating Level 5 today, February 23. The Providence campus remains closed today.

Travel bans for non-essential personnel are in effect all day today, Monday, for the state of Rhode Island. Our facilities and grounds staff are actively working to maintain essential operations.

The rate of snow accumulation has created challenges for snow removal on campus and across the state, and requires patience and cooperation as we manage these weather-related adjustments together. Be cautious around trucks and snow removal teams due to reduced visibility. There are deep snow drifts several feet high, so take care around them.

The Emergency Management Team is currently assessing the condition of our campuses and the status of the State of Emergency in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We are consulting with essential staff, faculty, and state officials regarding campus readiness. Once the blizzard begins to subside, we will provide additional information about the status of Tuesday's operations. More updates will be communicated this afternoon.

Bristol campus services are continuing to operate on a modified schedule today to ensure the safety of our residential community (see below).

Today - Monday, February 23

Upper Commons

Till 2 p.m. Brunch Menu, paper service, Facilities/Public Safety snow crews welcome.
2 p.m. Open for pizza, grill, salad, beverages, and hot cocoa station.
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Dinner service.

Lower Commons and Retail Locations

Closed all day Monday (GHH Starbucks, Café Express, Hawk's Nest, Roger's Café).

Potential Loss of Power 

In the event of a power outage, all residence halls are equipped with reliable generators to ensure that essential services continue running smoothly. To prepare for potential interruptions, residents are encouraged to charge all electronic devices in advance, ensuring laptops, phones, and other devices remain powered and accessible during the outage. 

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has updated its information. For the latest updates, visit the RIEMA website.

The RWU Alert Messaging Center at rwu.edu/alert provides the latest information for the Roger Williams University community.

In case of an emergency on campus, contact the RWU Department of Public Safety at (401) 254-3333.
 
Stay safe and warm,

Emergency Management Team
 

Update: 02/22/26 at 3:00 p.m.

Rhode Island is under a state of emergency, with a travel ban starting at 7 p.m., due to an impending blizzard expected to create hazardous conditions. The ban applies to all non-essential personnel vehicle traffic until further notice.
 

Update: 02/22/26 at 12:34 p.m.

Dear RWU Community, 

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Rhode Island. RWU campuses are moving to Operating Level 5 effective Monday, February 23, at 12 a.m. (midnight tonight). All classes are canceled, and university offices will be closed on Monday, February 23. 

Campus services on the Bristol campus will be operating on a modified schedule on Monday to ensure the safety of our residential community. 

The Providence campus is closed on Monday. 

The snowstorm is expected to be significant with hazardous travel conditions. Heavy, blowing snow is forecast after 4 a.m., with temperatures around 27°F and northeast winds of 11 to 23 mph, gusting to 44 mph. Snow will continue through Monday afternoon, with gusts up to 55 mph. Snow accumulation is expected to be 18-20 inches. The parking bans are in effect all day Sunday and Monday. 

Our facilities staff are actively working to maintain essential operations, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate these weather-related adjustments together. 

Sunday, February 22

Upper Commons

4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

During dinner service, take-out ‘Blizzard Survival Packs’ will be available with juice, cereal, milk, granola bars, etc., in preparation for Monday morning. 

Lower Commons and retail locations 

Close at 10 p.m. 

Monday, February 23

Upper Commons 

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Brunch Menu, paper service. Facilities/Public Safety snow crews welcome. 

2 p.m. Open for pizza, grill, salad, beverages, and hot cocoa station. 

4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Dinner service. 

Lower Commons and retail locations will be closed all day Monday (GHH Starbucks, Café Express, Hawks Nest, Roger's Café). 

University Libraries (University, Law, Architecture)

All university libraries will be closed today at 5 p.m. and all day Monday for the safety of student employees and staff. 

Shuttle Service

RWU Shuttle Service is operating on the weekend schedule through Monday on the Bristol campus for as long as the weather allows. Students will receive an email if service is interrupted.

Campus Recreation Center

The Recreation and Fitness Center will open at 11 a.m. on Monday and close at 10 p.m, pool closed.

Health Services and Counseling 

Both Health Services and Counseling will be closed on Monday. In the event of a health emergency, students should contact Public Safety.

Providence Campus

One Empire will be closed on Monday.

Potential Loss of Power

In the event of a power outage, all residence halls are equipped with reliable generators to ensure that essential services continue running smoothly. To prepare for potential interruptions, residents are encouraged to charge all electronic devices in advance, ensuring laptops, phones, and other devices remain powered and accessible during the outage.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has updated its information. For the latest updates, visit the RIEMA website.

The RWU Alert Messaging Center at rwu.edu/alert provides the latest information for the Roger Williams University community. In case of an emergency on campus, contact the RWU Department of Public Safety at (401) 254-3333. 

An update on Tuesday classes and operations will be sent once we can assess the extent of this storm and campus readiness. The Emergency Management Team will continue to update the community as needed.

Stay safe and warm,

Emergency Management Team 

Updated: 02/21/26 at 5:00 p.m.

RWU Bristol Campus Parking Ban Begins Sunday at 8 a.m. 

Dear RWU Community,

Roger Williams University is preparing its campuses for heavy snow and possible blizzard conditions forecast from Sunday evening, February 22, through Monday, February 23.

To prepare the Bristol campus, an inner-campus parking ban will begin on Sunday, February 22, at 8 a.m.

All vehicles should be moved to the parking garage, first or second levels only (no parking on the top level). Additional parking is available in the gravel section at the back of Lot D, as well as in Lot H and Lot 7. Vehicles that are not relocated and interfere with snow removal may need to be towed at the owner’s expense. Please refer to the campus parking map for locations.

The Town of Bristol has announced a parking ban effective Sunday, February 22, at 5 p.m., until further notice.

RWU campuses remain at Level 2, with all operations normal. We will continue to update the community as more information becomes available for both the Bristol and Providence campuses.

In case of an emergency, contact the RWU Department of Public Safety at (401) 254-3333.

Stay safe and warm,

Emergency Management Team

Update: 02/20/2026 at 5:00 p.m. 

We want to share an early weather advisory and remind the campus community of our winter weather protocols and resources. Current forecasts indicate the potential for a significant winter storm beginning Sunday and continuing into Monday. While conditions will continue to evolve over the weekend, we want to ensure the community is prepared and informed. 

What we are monitoring

• Snow accumulation requiring plowing and treatment of campus roadways and walkways
• High winds with the potential for downed trees and power outages. 

The Emergency Response Team (ERT) is actively monitoring conditions and Bristol and Providence campus readiness. At present, the university is operating under Winter Level 2 (Monitoring & Anticipation of a Weather Event). Normal operations remain in place. The ERT will meet on Saturday and Sunday and again early Monday, and we will communicate promptly should there be any changes to campus operations, including class delivery, parking restrictions, or access limitations for either campus. 

What you can do now 

• Confirm your mobile number in Roger Central to receive RWU text alerts.
• Ensure heating units are functioning properly and keep all windows closed.
• Do not prop doors open.
• Report heating or facility issues promptly through the Facilities Work Order System
• Monitor RWU email, text alerts, and the University homepage for updates.
• For power outages or urgent safety concerns, please contact Public Safety 

Winter Safety Reminders

Walking & Campus Travel

• Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with good traction.
• Walk slowly and deliberately; allow extra time.
• Use cleared sidewalks and avoid grass or unplowed areas.
• Be cautious on stairs, ramps, bridges, and shaded areas.
• Use handrails whenever available. 

Report icy or unsafe conditions to Facilities (x3136) or Public Safety (x3333). 

Driving & Vehicles 

• Allow extra travel time.
• Drive slowly and adjust for conditions.
• Campus speed limits: 15 mph (vehicles) / 10 mph (golf carts).
• Watch for black ice.
• Brake and turn gradually. 

General Preparedness

• Dress in layers; wear hats, gloves, and scarves.
• Change wet clothing promptly.
• Wipe shoes on entry mats.
• Keep phones and backup power sources charged.

Thank you for your cooperation and shared commitment to campus safety. We will continue to communicate as conditions evolve.

Operating Levels Defined:

RWU has updated its Emergency Closing Policy, changes to which were adopted Jan. 28, 2021. 

Emergency Response and Evacuation Website

Contact Public Safety