No general closure of university buildings due to code red weather warning; exceptions may apply
Due to the ongoing heat, a red weather warning (code red) has been issued for Friday in areas including the province of Zuid-Holland.
According to our guidelines, university buildings would normally close when a code red weather warning is in place. However, we do not consider this necessary for all our buildings. The more modern ones have good cooling and ventilation systems, making it possible to continue working and studying there, even during very hot weather.
This does not apply to all buildings. In some of our older buildings, students and staff may experience significant discomfort due to the heat.
This means that a red weather warning will not lead to a closure of all university buildings. Instead, decisions to close specific buildings may be made at a faculty or building level.
What does this mean for students?
Exams scheduled for Friday will go ahead as planned, unless one of the Examination Boards decides otherwise. Large exam venues, such as the University Sports Centre, are equipped with air conditioning.
We ask students to monitor their faculty webpages closely. These pages will provide information on which buildings will remain open and which will be closed.
We would especially like to encourage students who may be more vulnerable to take extra care during the hot weather. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) website provides advice on how to stay safe in the heat.
What does this mean for staff?
We also ask staff to monitor their faculty’s webpages. These will indicate which buildings will remain open and which will be closed.
We encourage vulnerable staff members to follow the KNMI’s guidance (see below) and to contact their managers with any questions or other matters.
Stay safe
The current heatwave means we need must stay safe. This includes drinking plenty of water and avoiding direct sunlight, and looking out for those around you. These conditions are more challenging for some than for others.
Further information about staying safe in the current heatwave can be found on the KNMI website. We encourage everyone to follow this guidance and to take care during this period of hot weather.