Class cancellations in the event of a disaster or other emergency

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The guidelines below describe how Kyoto University handles classes and regular examinations (hereinafter "classes") in the event of a disaster or other emergency (hereinafter "disaster") in order to ensure the safety of its students.

The following is a summary of these guidelines.

1. Cancellation of classes based on a weather warning

Cancellation of classes and postponement of regular examinations (hereinafter "cancellation of classes") shall be implemented when an emergency weather warning or storm warning has been issued in Kyoto City or an area encompassing the city (not applicable to other types of weather advisory or warning).

2. Cancellation of classes due to suspension of public transportation services

Cancellation of classes shall be implemented if either one of the following two conditions applies:

  1. When Kyoto City Bus services have been wholly suspended, or
  2. When three or more of the following transportation services have been wholly or partially suspended:
    • West Japan Railway (Kyoto Line, Biwako Line, Kosei Line, Nar Line, and Sagano Line)
    • Hankyu Railway (between Kawaramachi Station and Umeda Station)
    • Keihan Railway (between Demachiyanagi Station and Yodoyabashi Station/Nakanoshima Station)
    • Kintetsu Railway (between Kyoto Station and Yamato-Saidaiji Station)
    • Kyoto Municipal Subway

3. Cancellation of classes based on a weather warning or due to the suspension of public transportation services

Cancellation of classes based on a weather warning or due to the suspension of public transportation services shall be implemented as per the guidelines. The Flowchart of Procedures below describes a decision-making process for such cancellations and postponements.

4. In the event of an earthquake

A cancellation of classes shall be in effect for an extended period if an earthquake with a seismic intensity of 6-lower or more has occurred in an area encompassing the Yoshida Campus, Uji Campus, and Katsura Campus.

5. Other cases

  • Cancellation of classes shall be implemented at an individual faculty or graduate school if the dean of that faculty or graduate school has determined it necessary to ensure the security of students.
  • Cancellation of classes shall be implemented on all or part of the Yoshida Campus, Uji Campus, and/or Katsura Campus if the executive vice-president in charge has determined it necessary to ensure the safety of students.
  • A Disaster Response Task Force may be established in the event of earthquakes, including ones with a seismic intensity of 5-upper or less, or other types of emergency. Cancellation of classes shall be implemented on all or part of the Yoshida Campus, Uji Campus, and/or Katsura Campus for an extended period if the director of the Task Force has determined it necessary to ensure the safety of our students.

6. Communication method

Information regarding the cancellation of classes shall be posted on the Kyoto University Liberal Arts Syllabus Information System (KULASIS) and the University website.

7. Special measures for students who are unable to come to the University

Even if a cancellation of classes as provided for in 2–5 above has not been implemented, students who cannot come to the University to attend classes due to any of the following may apply for special measures by submitting a class absence notification form to the Education Affairs Division of their faculty or graduate school.

  • An earthquake with a seismic intensity of 6-lower or more has occurred in the area where the student lives.
  • An evacuation order (urgent) or evacuation advisory has been issued in the area where the student lives.
  • A weather warning has been issued in the area where the student lives.
  • A disaster equivalent to the preceding three items has occurred in the area where the student lives or commutes.

Note: Special measures are not applicable to suspension or delay of public transportation services caused by an accident.