The University Provost decides whether or not to close or to delay the opening of the university. Decisions will be communicated through AU Alerts to your AU email and via text message. All AU & WCL Faculty, Staff, and Students are automatically enrolled in the AU Alert system.

University Closure/Early Closure

When the University is closed: No classes will meet in person/on campus and offices will be closed. Individual professors may choose to teach class via Zoom. Check Canvas for notifications from your professors. Classes not taught on Zoom will be rescheduled by the professor.

When the University closes early, classes will end at the time set by the university. 

If only WCL closes early, classes will end at the time announced for the law school. Decisions to cancel classes that begin at 6:00 PM or later, will be announced by 4:00 PM.

The Law Library is open 24 hours each day.

Delayed Opening

When University opening is delayed, there are several possible scenarios:

• 10:00AM opening: Classes that would normally begin at 10:00AM or later will meet as scheduled.
• 11:00AM opening: Classes that would normally begin at 11:00AM or later will meet as scheduled.
• If WCL only, not the entire university, has a delayed opening or is closed, the above information also applies. Such closings and delays will be announced as soon as possible and will be updated regularly, approximately every two hours through 2:00 PM.

Faculty who are unable to hold class after a delayed opening or before closing early should notify their students via Canvas.

How are Closures Communicated

AU Alert emails and text messages: will have the most complete operating status

AU Information Line: (202) 885-1100

WCL web site (http://www.wcl.american.edu)

Local TV and radio stations:

WAMU (88.5 FM)

WASH (97.1 FM)

WMAL (630 AM)

WTOP (103.5 FM)