ITHACA COLLEGE
POLICY MANUAL

VOLUME II
Policies for the Entire Campus Community

2.9 Emergency Closing

An emergency closing is defined as any closing (delayed opening, partial closing, full closing) that is declared by the president or a designee because of inclement weather, fire, flood, power failure, or any other cause beyond the control of the administration.

Weather conditions, no matter how extreme, normally will not close the College when classes are in session. The College has established an Emergency Closing Hotline, (607) 274-1495, which may be called to find out essential information. Classes or specific activities may be delayed or canceled without an official closing. Employees will be expected to work their normal hours unless the College is officially closed. However, there are times when the College is not officially closed, but when conditions make it appropriate for a supervisor to be flexible in allowing employees to depart from their normal schedules. Employees who miss time because of late arrival, early departure, or absence due to inclement weather or other special condition may choose to make up the time, use personal or vacation time, or have a reduced paycheck if there are no accruals to use.

If inclement weather or other emergency conditions occur between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., the Office of Human Resources will communicate any official College statement to departments regarding closing or other essential information. (See section 2.9.3.) A supervisor may not unilaterally decide to close a department. Sometimes law enforcement agencies request the College not release its employees until weather conditions improve or until highway workers have had an opportunity to clear roads. Supervisors are responsible for informing their employees of any official decision to close the College. During a closing, certain employees ("essential" employees) need to remain on the job. Supervisors must obtain approval from the appropriate vice president before informing employees whether they are considered "essential" personnel.

2.9.1 Definitions of Official Emergency Closing

Delayed, Partial Opening: All College operations except the health center, facilities, and public safety will be delayed until a time specified in the media announcement. "Essential" employees are expected to report to work at their normally scheduled time.

Partial Closing: Classes, exams, and essential services within the health center, facilities, and public safety will continue. The library will be open with limited staff coverage and all other College operations will be closed for the remainder of the day. All other College departments will discontinue normal operations for the balance of the work shift. The time of resumption of normal operations will be announced through the media.

College is Closed: Classes, examinations and all other services are canceled, except essential services within the health center, facilities, and public safety. A reopening date and time will be announced through the media as soon as it can be established.

2.9.2 How the Decision to Close or Remain Open is Made

The president or a designee, in conjunction with the appropriate staff, makes the decision to close any or all College operations during any emergency situation or inclement weather conditions. They will consider the impact on students and employees in making their decision.

The same administrators will be consulted in deciding when to reopen the College.

2.9.3 How Information About Emergency Closing is Disseminated

In the event College operations are closed due to an emergency situation, the president or designee will contact the following vice presidents who will in turn contact the key departments in their areas as noted below:

The Office of Human Resources will communicate the official closing statement to supervisors or their designees. (An emergency closing communication list is kept in the Offices of Human Resources.) The head of each department, or designee if absent, is responsible for making appropriate arrangements to see that all employees in the department are notified.

2.9.3.1 Radio and Television Station Announcements

In the event of an emergency closing, the president or the president's designee will instruct the director of public information to make arrangements to announce the closing over local radio and television stations. (See section 2.9.1 for types of closings that might be announced.) Whenever possible, the stations will be notified prior to 6:00 a.m. for the first and second shift and by 9:00 p.m. for third shift if the College will close due to inclement weather conditions.

Announcements of closings will be broadcast by the radio and television stations listed below. If there is no announcement concerning Ithaca College, the College will be open and operating as usual. Please do not call the stations for emergency closing information, especially during inclement weather conditions.

2.9.3.1.1 TV Stations

2.9.3.1.2 Radio Stations

August 15, 2001