Adverse Weather Policy

Updated 11/07/08

Adverse weather may affect the regular operations of Delta College. Recognizing its responsibility to students and the community, the College will close only under extreme circumstances when it appears that the interests of all concerned will be best served by closing the campus.

The decision to close the College will be made by the President (Dr. Jean Goodnow) or designate, in consultation with the Facilities Director (Larry Ramseyer), the Vice President of Instruction and Learning Services (Don Halog), and others as appropriate, based on the following criteria:

1. The condition of main roads leading to the campus
2. The condition of drives on the campus
3. The availability of a reasonable amount of parking space relatively free of snow
4. The condition of heat and other utilities on campus
5. Weather reports regarding the track of the storm and other conditions (icing, thermal inversions, etc.)

Maximum effort will be made to decide on closing the school, if necessary, prior to 6 a.m. for day classes, and prior to 3:30 p.m. for evening classes.

Students, faculty and staff travel from a broad geographic area making it impossible to come to a decision that is appropriate for everyone since weather conditions are rarely uniform across the area. A conscientious effort is made to arrive at a reasonable decision considering all the factors.

The College does not encourage anyone to take unnecessary risks in order to work or attend classes. If the College remains open during adverse weather conditions, it is each driver’s responsibility to decide whether to travel to the College, based on road conditions, driving skills and vehicle conditions. The College values the safety of each individual and expects that people will take responsibility for safeguarding their own welfare. Since Delta students are adults and the College is educating its students for the workplace, the College has a closing policy more like area businesses and governmental agencies and less like K-12 schools.

In addition, if a delayed opening is announced, all classes starting before the announced time are cancelled; classes starting at or after the announced time meet as scheduled. Offices open at the announced time. If faculty members are unable to teach classes during adverse weather and the College remains open, they are advised to contact their students and the appropriate Division Chair or Support Staff. Also, to have signage posted on the classroom door, faculty should call Instructional Services at 686-9515 or Public Safety at 686-9113.

Closing Off-Campus Centers/Sites Due to Adverse Situations

When the main campus of Delta College is closed, all off-campus centers and sites are closed as well.

In select circumstances a site or center may deviate from the open/close status of the main campus. In those cases, the decision to close or open a center or site is made by that location's administrative unit. The center or site director will notify the Dean of Learning Centers and Innovative Programs (Sue Montesi) if the center or site is to be closed. The following offices will also be notified of the center or site closing: Switchboard, Registration, Public Safety, and the appropriate deans and directors. The Academic Services and Workforce Development Center offices will then notify the appropriate instructors involved.

Additional Information

In the event that the College must make any adjustment to its normal operation, please refer to the following suggestions.

• For the most current and accurate information, go to the Delta College Web site: www.delta.edu.
• If you do not have computer access, tune in to Delta College Quality Public Broadcasting, Q-TV, or Q-90.1 FM. You can also call the Delta College Information Line at (989) 686-9179.
• All commercial radio and television stations will also be notified, but the College is limited because of automated voice mail systems on how the information is reported. The most complete information will be available on the Delta College website: www.delta.edu
• If the decision is made to close early, an all-staff/faculty email will be sent via listserv.

Radio and Television Stations to be Notified

TV:

WNEM-TV (Channel 5)
WJRT-TV (Channel 12)
WEYI -TV (Channel 25)
Delta College Quality Public Television, WDCQ/WDCP-TV (Channel 19/35)

FM Radio:

Delta College Quality Public Radio, WUCX (FM-90.1)
WKQZ-Radio (FM-93.3)
WCEN-Radio (FM-94.5)
WCFX-Radio (FM-95.3)
WHNN-Radio (FM-96)
WMJO-Radio (FM-97.3)
WKCQ-Radio (FM-98.1)
WUGN-Radio (FM-99.7)
WTCF-Radio (FM-100.5)
WLEW-Radio (FM-102.1/AM-1314)
WIOG-Radio (FM-102.5)
WIDL-Radio (FM-104.9)
WGER-Radio (FM-106)
WTLZ-Radio (FM-107.1)

AM Radio:

WSGW-Radio (AM-790)
WNEM-Radio (AM-1250)
WKYO-Radio (AM-1360)
WSAM-Radio (AM-1400)
WMPX-Radio (AM-1490)