5.34 College Closure

(Adopted 3-8-2021)

The President of the College is authorized, within the limits of this Policy, to suspend operations of the College and close facilities due to emergency conditions.

Procedures

5.34.1  Emergency Closure (Adopted 3-8-2021)

The President of the College may temporarily suspend operations of the College and close facilities when, in the President’s estimation, emergency conditions exist which could (a) jeopardize the health and/or safety of employees, students, or others on College property, or (b) preclude the effective operation of the College.

Any emergency closure shall be promptly communicated to the Board of Trustees, including the reason for the emergency closure and the expected date of reopening.

An emergency closure lasting more than five (5) working days shall require the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Prompt notification shall be provided to employees, students, and the general public.

Days when campus operations are suspended shall be considered excused workdays, with no loss of pay for full-time employees and adjunct faculty.

5.34.2  Closure Due to Inclement Weather (Revised 12-10-2020)    

The President of the College may declare any workday an excused day, when, in the President’s estimation, inclement weather and hazardous road conditions are severe enough to justify this action. Such declaration may be made before or during the workday.

No loss of pay will occur for full-time employees and adjunct faculty when the College President has activated an inclement weather closing. Likewise, employees scheduled for paid time off on a day of inclement weather closure may revise their leave of absence form to reflect the actual number of hours the College was open. This procedure does not apply to employees on unpaid leaves of absence.

Maintenance, grounds, and other staff who are required to be on campus for snow/ice removal during an inclement weather closing will receive pay for the scheduled hours they would have worked had the College not been closed. In addition, they will be paid for any hours actually worked during the time period the College is closed. Any work on all or part of an excused day must be approved by the supervisor.

When, in the estimation of the President of the College or designee, inclement weather and hazardous road conditions are not severe enough to declare an excused day, an absence due to weather and road conditions will be charged to the employee’s personal or vacation leave. Employees with no available vacation or personal leave time will not be paid for hours absent from work.

In the case of an emergency closing after the workday has begun, all employees will be released from work except for designated facilities employees who must be on duty for snow removal. Any work after an emergency closing has been declared must be approved by the supervisor.

1. College Closed (Revised 12-11-2020)If the weather warrants, the College will close and cancel day and/or evening classes. This means all employees are released from work from the announced time of closure until the College reopens unless required to report for snow/ice removal.
2. Snow Schedule (Revised 9-16-2014; 1-24-2020; 12-12-2020)If inclement weather prevents the College from opening on time in the morning but roads are expected to be passable later in the morning, the College may elect to use a delayed start.  A delayed start means classes will begin at either 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. as determined by the president.  Classes starting before the announced time will begin in progress at the announced time unless otherwise arranged by the instructor.  Employees will report one-half hour prior to the announced start time (at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.).  Maintenance, grounds, and other staff involved with snow removal will report as scheduled by the Director of Facilities and Grounds.