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Severe Weather Procedures

Since weather conditions will vary across the state, clerkship students on the three campuses will follow the schedules dictated by those campuses. Per the UTHSC Inclement Weather policy, UTHSC administration decides when a campus is closed due to severe weather. 

Chattanooga-based students will follow these policies in the event of severe weather:

  • The Chattanooga campus follows the decisions made by University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC); 
  • Check the UTC website for closure/delay announcements;
  • When the Chattanooga campus is closed, clinical rotations and classes will be cancelled unless they can take place virtually. Students should monitor communications regarding the availability of virtual educational activities.

 

Limited Leave Request Form
Excused Absences

Clinical experience missed due to inclement weather when campus is CLOSED is considered an Excused Absence, so no Limited Leave Request (LLR) form is needed. 

    • In the event the campus is closed, students may elect to attend clinical duties if the hospital/clinic is open and if they feel safe traveling, but this is at the student's discretion and not required;
    • In the event campus is closed for inclement weather lasting more than 2 days, the Clerkship/Course Director may assign alternative experiences (e.g., virtual didactics and/or clinical make-up time) for which the student will be responsible for completing/attending
 
Wellness Days

Students can use Wellness Days for clinical experience missed due to inclement weather when campus is open.

    • This option requires submission of the LLR form, indicating ‘weather’ as the reason for the absence;
    • In accordance with policy on Excused Absence and Wellness Days, a student missing more than 2 days of a rotation may be required to make up the missed time, at the discretion of the Clerkship Director. This is to ensure the student has sufficient exposure to obtain a fair, accurate clinical evaluation and acquire sufficient clinical experience. Your CD will work with you individually if you fall into this category. 

 

Safety First

We trust students to exercise their best judgment in terms of their safety during severe weather. If you can travel safely, please do so if you feel comfortable.

We do not want to prevent students from coming to their rotation. However, we never want to put students at risk of injury or harm. Please keep your Clerkship/Course Director or Coordinator informed of your plans. 

 

Jul 8, 2025