Snow Day: Policy information on closures and cancellations, January 2002

Snow Day: Policy information
on closures and cancellations

As evidenced earlier this month, the University rarely cancels classes for an entire day. To meet its commitments to its students, employees and the public, St. Thomas remains open and in operation unless exceptional circumstances occur.

Winter Storm Closure

Sometimes, however, the situation appears hazardous to the safety of those travelling to the University. In this instance, President Daniel O’Brien (or Vice-President (Academic) Rick Myers, should Dr. O’Brien be out of town), in consultation with appropriate officials at UNB, determines whether or not to close the University.

If the University decides to close once a working day has commenced, the Department of Human Resources notifies unit managers and academic departments. In turn, they pass this along to faculty, employees and students. Meanwhile, the Office of University Advancement notifies the appropriate media outlets.

The primary resource for announcements is local radio stations. Media outlets are notified of a closure by 6:45 a.m. in the event of an overnight winter storm. Staff should listen to the radio stations to determine whether or not the University is closed. If so, members of the administration and support staff are not required to report for work. An announcement regarding the cancellation of all classes is the same as a university closure.

In the event of a closure, Aramark employees are available to provide essential services.

Inclement Weather

When storm conditions exist but the University remains open, staff are expected to report to work. However, staff who cannot report for work because of weather conditions must contact their direct supervisor and the human resources office. In the event that a storm develops after employees have reported for work, unit managers may allow individuals who are in particularly difficult circumstances to leave early. (Normally, difficult circumstances would refer to the additional travel required by an employee residing outside of the city limits of Fredericton.) In these instances, staff may be asked to make up any missed time.

When storm conditions exist, but the University remains open, individual faculty members will use their own discretion in deciding whether to report to work. Faculty who wish to cancel their classes must notify Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Myers as soon as possible.

Classes cancelled?

* Listen to local radio stations (e.g. 106.9 FM, 95.1 FM, 103.5 FM, 105 FM, 1260 AM)

* Call the switchboard (452-0640) for updated class cancellations

* If your department is forced to cancel an on-campus event, please contact the University Advancement Office (452-0645) to ensure your information reaches the proper venues.