Snow removal on campus is generally performed by the Grounds Department. Building staff is responsible for managing snow and ice accumulations within 6 feet of building entrances. Grounds staff use a combination of front-end loaders and utility work machines to clear snow from campus sidewalks, roadways, and parking lots. The primary goal for snow removal is to have snow cleared from campus parking lots and sidewalks by 7:30AM.
Equipment Operators and Grounds persons follow specific snow removal routes each day. Snow removal routes are generally established to allow for snow removal prior to campus arrivals, for example guests begin arriving at the Student Development Complex (SDC) as early as 5:30 AM on weekdays. Grounds staff attempt to clear as much of these lots as earlier as possible to provide safe access to the building. Conversely, residential parking lots are some of the lowest priority lots, since the majority of campus residents are attending classes and the majority of vehicles do not move on weekdays.
In all cases, faculty, staff, and students can assist the Grounds Department during snow removal operations by staying back from heavy equipment and parking together in groups. Snow removal equipment makes sudden stops and can change direction with minimal notice. When vehicles are parked with spaces between them or they are scattered throughout the parking lot it complicates snow removal efforts because staff must work between or around vehicles. Dispersed parking also creates unexpected obstacles when backing snow removal equipment.
The department owns and maintains two truck-mounted sanders, one designed for roadway treatments and the other is pickup-mounted for use on campus sidewalks and building approaches. Sanders operate on an as needed basis, using a combination of sand and salt as conditions warrant. The University uses more than 200 tons of salt and 500 tons of sand in an average winter.
Equipment operators use machines to clear the majority of any snowfall. Snow removal still requires support from student employees who shovel, snow blow, and scrape snow and ice on a daily basis. Student workers follow a shoveling checklist that prioritizes removing snow from areas like stairs, building access ramps, bus shelters, and similar features.
If you have any questions about snow removal on campus, please contact Facilities Management. If you’d like to request services or report a snow removal issue, please submit a work request. Work requests will typically be reviewed by department staff within 24 hours. Typical hours of operation for the Grounds Department is]]are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Snow removal is performed as warranted with tentative operational plans in place for the next 48 to 72 hours. Community members may report slippery conditions by calling (906) 483-SNOW (7669). Depending on weather conditions and operational status, staff can usually respond to the reported area within 15 minutes.