Closing

Charles River Weather Closing Page

When the Charles River Campus is Closed 

  • The closing designation in effect from 5:00 AM until midnight unless campus officially changes the status on same day.
  • Employees designated as essential personnel will be required to report to work. Your supervisor is responsible for informing you if your position has been designated as essential for this purpose.

Expectations for Students Participating in Programs at the Charles River Campus (CRC) in Newton

  • In the event of a CRC campus closure: Students are not required to attend CRC in-person classes or report to internship sites. Students enrolled in multi-modal/hybrid courses that include both the CRC and the Amherst campus should contact their instructor regarding attendance expectations.
  • Communication: Students are expected to proactively contact their site supervisors and course instructors to inform them of their situation and clarify expectations.
  • Stay Informed: Students should regularly check official university communication channels for updates on campus status, changes, or additional instructions. Campus closures due to weather or emergency will be announced via text and e-mail alerts (see below to register for alerts), posted to the campus website.
  • Emergency Alerts: Sign up for Charles River Campus Emergency Alerts to receive text message notifications about campus closures due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Please note that the Amherst campus and the Charles River Campus (CRC) may have separate closure statuses. Amherst closure status is available at the Amherst campus operational status page.

When Both the Amherst and Newton (CRC) Campuses are CLOSED:
  • Classes: Students are not required to attend classes at either the Amherst or Charles River campuses.
  • Internships: Students are not required to report to internship sites.
  • Communication: Students should inform their site supervisors if they are unable to attend due to the closure.
When the Amherst Campus is CLOSED, but the Newton (CRC) Campus is OPEN:
  • Classes: Students are not required to attend classes in Amherst; however, they are expected to attend classes at CRC as scheduled unless otherwise notified by their instructors. Students enrolled in multi-modal/hybrid courses that include both the CRC and the Amherst campus should contact their instructor regarding attendance expectations.   
  • Internships: Students are expected to report to their internship sites.
  • Instructor Communication: Instructors will directly contact students to confirm the status of class activities at CRC, especially for those commuting to the campus. Instructors will provide further instructions on coursework or any necessary adjustments.
When the Amherst Campus is OPEN, but the Newton (CRC) Campus is CLOSED:
  • Classes: Students should communicate directly with their Amherst course instructors to inform them of the CRC closure and clarify course attendance expectations. Students are not expected to attend CRC-based classes if the Newton campus is closed. Students enrolled in multi-modal/hybrid courses that include both the CRC and the Amherst campus should contact their instructor regarding attendance expectations.
  • Internships: Students are not required to report to internship sites.
  • Communication: Students should inform their Amherst instructors about the CRC closure and their inability to attend class. Students should notify their site supervisors if they are unable to attend due to the closure.

Closing Notification

The announcements are made by 6:00 AM. Announcements are delivered by text alerts (sign-up required), radio and television stations.  Please see below if you want to receive and are not receiving emergency text alerts.

Text Alerts

To receive a text alert message, you must be signed up. Sign Up for UMass Charles River Campus Emergency Alerts.

AM Radio Stations

  • AM 1030 - WBZ

T.V. Stations

  • WBZ - Channel 4 (CBS)
  • WXFT - Channel 25 (FOX)
  • NECN (New England Cable News)
  • WCVB - Channel 5 (ABC)
  • WHDH - Channels 7 & 56 (NBC)

Charles River Shuttle Service

There will be NO service between Newton and Amherst if either campus is closed. Please visit UMass Transportation for the up-to-date operating status and schedule.

Charles River Campus Library & Campus Recreation Center

The Libraries Website contains the most up-to-date info on operating hours for the Wadsworth Library.   The Charles River Campus Recreation Center will be closed when the campus is closed.

Services That Remain Open

The following services will remain open - essential personnel only:

  • Campus Security
  • Dining Commons
  • Residence Halls
  • Other areas as pre-designated

Campus Events

Campus events are cancelled when the campus is closed.