Contingency for Cancelled Classes Policy

Original Date Effective: 2011-11-15

Introduction

Throughout the semester, classes are cancelled for various reasons: weather, power outage, absence of instructor, etc. Typically, classes are only cancelled a minimal number of times in a semester and faculty are able to adjust to ensure content in covered. However, on rare occasions, several cancellations during a semester may create a hardship for the faculty to cover the necessary content. To address this situation, the following policy is established to ensure faculty members are able to adequately complete course objectives.

Policy

Inclement Weather Cancellation

In times of inclement weather, the status of classes will be determined according to the campus's Inclement Weather Protocol process. While changing conditions may require that last minute decisions are made, the determination of campus closures will typically be made by 5:30 AM.

If the campus is closed, all classes for the day will be cancelled.

If the campus is on a delayed start, classes during the first class period of the day will be cancelled. Subsequent classes will start at their scheduled times.

If evening classes are impacted, they will be cancelled (there will be no delayed start for evening classes). A decision regarding evening classes will be made by 3:30 PM unless the campus has already been closed for the entire day.

Cancelled Class Contingency Plan

Due to the varied nature of courses, faculty members are encouraged to plan each semester for at least two closures during that semester; this is particularly relevant for the Spring semester. Plans should be consistent with the nature of the class.

Contingency plans may include, but not limited to:

Online assignments
Make-up classes
Online testing
Other outside assignments

Faculty are encouraged to be

Mindful of their students' ability to access online assignm~nts when travel is limited.
Lenient on attendance and assignment due dates during times of inclement weather.
Sensitive to other obligations (work, family, school) that may interfere with the student's ability to attend make-up classes or complete outside assignments.

If multiple closures occur during the same class period, the Academic Deans, Faculty Chair, and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will consider alternative actions. Recommendations that involve altering the stated schedule will be presented to the President for approval.