Students walk across a snowy WVU downtown campus.
West Virginia University’s spring semester starts Jan. 8, calling for a reminder about how the University responds when harsh winter weather occurs.
Should conditions occur making travel potentially dangerous, both students and employees are reminded to use their own good judgment before venturing out.
“Our first priority under any circumstance is the safety of every member of our campus community, including students, faculty and staff,” said Provost Joyce McConnell.
Any decision to cancel classes – or to close the University or a divisional campus or office – will be made after several University officials have consulted on the condition of campus roads and grounds as well as conditions in the vicinity.
A declaration of a weather emergency by the governor does not automatically close WVU campuses or offices.
“Students should inform and work with their instructors and work supervisors regarding expected absences due to weather,” advised Dean of Students Corey Farris.
McConnell noted that faculty members should also make every effort to notify students in advance if they need to cancel class. “We don’t want our students risking unsafe conditions to attend a class that is not being held,” said McConnell.
In the event of delayed or cancelled classes while the University is still open, many units will remain operational, including dining and residence hall services, roads and grounds crews, libraries and others. These units are reminded to review their emergency internal operating procedures.
“WVU and Facilities Management are prepared to keep the sidewalks and roadways safe during any winter event. Roads and Grounds prioritizes their work to accommodate the faculty, staff and students as they arrive to campus based on the time snow arrives,” said Randy Hudak, senior associate vice president of Facilities and Services.
“To minimize any hazards during a winter event, please dress appropriately, wear boots/shoes with good traction and avoid walking too close to any snow removal equipment so they can do their work quickly and safely,” Hudak said. “If possible, I recommend using the PRT and bus services as an alternative to move around the campus.”
If officials do decide to cancel classes or close the University, students and employees will be informed through many outlets, including:
• The WVU emergency text message system. (Sign up at https://alert.wvu.edu/)
• WVU’s main web page (https://www.wvu.edu).
• WVUToday (https://wvutoday.wvu.edu).
• Mountaineer ENEWS for faculty and staff (https://enews.wvu.edu)
• MIX e-mail and Unews.
• WVU Students (https://students.wvu.edu/)
• Traditional and social media such as @WVUToday, @WVUDOT and @WestVirginiaU on Twitter or WVUMountaineers on Facebook, etc.
Information regarding WVU Tech’s Inclement Weather Delays/Closure Policy can be found at https://www.wvutech.edu/inclement-weather.
PotomacState College’s policy can be found at http://www.potomacstatecollege.edu/about/inclement_weather_announcement.html.
WVU Extension Service will follow its internal inclement weather policy, which can be found at https://employees.extension.wvu.edu/human-resources/current-employees/inclement-weather.
-WVU-
mft/1/02/18
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