It is the policy of Slippery Rock University that only the President or his/her designee has the authority to temporarily modify class and/or work schedules in the event of extreme weather conditions including but not limited to snow, freezing rain, floods and hazardous winds. This decision may include the temporary cancellation of all or part of scheduled academic programs.

University Procedure

University practices for implementing this policy include:

• Slippery Rock University is committed to fulfilling its instructional obligations. Nearly 2,000 students live on campus, and approximately 5,000 live within a two-mile radius of campus. It is the University's intent to conduct classes as long as it can maintain reasonable conditions on campus and the roads in the immediate areas are reasonably passable. The University and its off-campus locations will remain open in all but the most extreme circumstances.
  
  
• Should severe weather threaten the University, the campus Emergency Team (E-Team) will advise the president as to whether or not classes should be canceled or the University should open or remain open.
  
  
• The E-Team is chaired by the Provost, and has representatives from finance and administration, public relations, student life, facilities and campus police. During an alert, the Team monitors campus and regional conditions through the Campus Police, Public Relations and facilities. The Team receives frequent updates regarding weather conditions and road advisories from the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN), Accuweather Services and PennDot.
  
  
• In recommending a decision, the E-Team considers: the condition of campus parking lots; the condition of campus roads and sidewalks; the availability of uninterrupted utility services; the condition of local and state roads as indicated by road and storm advisories; weather forecasts; and ice, wind and severe cold temperatures.
  
  
• If possible, the decision to remain open or delay or cancel daytime classes (those offered between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) will be made before 6 a.m., in order to provide sufficient time to notify the media.
  
  
• If possible, the decision to remain open or to cancel evening classes (those starting at 5 p.m. or later) will be made before 3 p.m. in order to provide sufficient time to notify the media.
  
  
• Cancellation of classes does not imply that the University is closed. Any class cancellations will apply to all University locations unless otherwise specified. Faculty members will be expected to make up time for canceled classes.
  
  
• During hazardous weather conditions, students, faculty and staff are urged to use their discretion in deciding whether they can safely commute to work or classes. Any University employee unable to reach campus is required to report off work and request leave, using established procedures. Faculty should not penalize students who miss class because of severe weather conditions. Students should discuss their absence wit their professors.
  
  
• During an unscheduled cancellation, essential functions must be maintained and certain personnel may be required to report to work. Provisions will be made to keep the following operations open to provide services for students.
  
  

  Bailey Library	Recreation Center
  Dining Halls	Residence Halls
  Health Services	Switchboard
  Morrow Field House	University Police
  University Union	University Help Desk

  
  
  
• If a decision is made to cancel classes or close the University, the president or his or her designee will notify Cabinet members who in turn will notify administrators within their respective divisions.
  
  
• If the decision is made to cancel classes or close the University. Public Relations will:
  • Notify the switchboard (724.738.9000)
  • Place a recorded message on 724.738.2998
  • Post the information to the SRU Web site (www.sru.edu)
  • Send e-mail alerts to all sru.edu addresses (faculty, staff and students)
  • Notify e2Campus subscribers
  • Notify the media
    
    

    Radio	Television
    WSKT 1280 - New Castle	KDKA Pittsburgh
    WBZY 1200 - New Castle	WTAE Pittsburgh
    KDKA 1020 - Pittsburgh	WPXI Pittsburgh
    WISR 680 - Butler	WFMJ Youngstown
    WBUT 97.7 - Butler	WKBN Youngstown
    WBBG 106.1 - Youngstown	WYFX Youngstown
    WPIC 103 - Sharon	WYTV Youngstown
    WHOT 101.1 - Youngstown	Channel 7 - SRU TV
    WQXK 105 - Youngstown
    WTAE 1250 - Pittsburgh
    WSRU 88.1 - Slippery Rock

    
    
    
• For clarity, the following statement, which may be provided to the media, pertains to cancellation of classes only. "Classes are canceled. All offices are open." - All support staff will be expected to report to work.
  
  
• The University will be closed when the governor declares a statewide State of Emergency. The University will abide by that directive and further instructions will be provided at that time.
  
  

Revised 12.01.07