Information on how weather- and emergency-related closings, delays impact class delivery

Dr. Margaret McLane, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, sent the following message to students on February 6 about emergency- and weather-related closings and delays and how they could impact class schedules.

Dear Students,

With the mix of class formats offered due to the pandemic, we recognize weather- and emergency-related cancelations or delays have become more complex. We want to clarify what each type of cancelation or delay announcement means. Students should note that in all cases, hospitality services, security, and other essential campus functions will continue (though adjustments may be made to dining hours and specific dining locations may close).

Closing: Closing means all classes are canceled, even those that are normally delivered remotely, and College offices are closed.

Remote Learning: When a remote learning announcement is made, all classes will be conducted remotely. College offices will operate remotely.

Closing Early: When a closing early announcement is made, classes will be canceled, and offices will be closed beginning at the time specified in the announcement. Classes scheduled to begin after the time specified will not meet, even if those classes are normally delivered remotely.

Delayed Opening: When a delayed opening announcement is made, classes are canceled, and offices are closed until the time specified in the announcement. Classes scheduled to begin prior to the time specified will not meet, even if those classes are normally delivered remotely.

The College strives to make closing or remote learning decisions as far in advance as possible, but delays in securing information or the timing of the arrival of a storm can make meeting this goal difficult. The prime consideration in these decisions is the safety of students/employees both in traveling to the College and in traveling around the campus. However, weather conditions in the Capital Region can vary. While a cold rain may be falling on campus, areas to the north may be experiencing a significant ice storm. If classes are being held and a student is unable to travel due to weather conditions in their area, the student should notify their instructor that they will not be in class and the reason why.

To receive weather- and emergency-related announcements, students should be sure they are signed up for the RAVE Alert system. The announcements will also be posted on social media, to the College’s website, and will be provided to local media to be included in their listings.

Sincerely,

Dr. Margaret McLane
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs