Purpose
Under extreme weather conditions or a general emergency, the University President may decide to delay or cancel classes. The Governor of New York State is the only individual authorized to close the campus. This annex describes the decision making process associated with the delay or cancellation of classes.
Decision Not To Delay or Cancel Classes
When is the decision made to delay or cancel classes?
The decision to delay or cancel classes will normally be made by 6:00 a.m. of the emergency day. In cases when emergency conditions occur after classes have begun for the day, the decision to cancel classes will be made as soon as reasonably possible.
Who makes the decision?
The decision to delay or cancel classes will be made by the President or his/her designee. The President may consult with various individuals on campus to seek guidance and recommendations.
Public safety is the primary consideration in closure decisions. In this regard, the University鈥檚 Chief of Police and/or the Executive Director of Emergency Management (or their designees) will be responsible for advising the Vice President for Operations on safety-related conditions. This advisory and/or recommendation will be made after consultation with internal departments and external agencies. These groups typically include, but may not be limited to, the following departments / agencies:
- NYS University Police at 91社区
- 91社区 Facilities Management
- 91社区 Environmental Health & Safety
- National Weather Service
- Broome County Office of Emergency Services
- Area police agencies
What is the notification procedure?
The Executive Director of Emergency Management, or designee, will convene a conference call typically no later than 5:30 a.m. to discuss morning weather conditions. Key campus personnel will participate in this conference call and make a final recommendation to the University President. Personnel on this call may include representatives from the President鈥檚 office, the Office of Emergency Management, Risk Management, University Police, Facilities Management, Communications & Marketing, Transportation and Parking Services, Auxiliary Services, Division of Operations, Provost鈥檚 Office, Division of Student Affairs, and a student representative.
Prior to the morning conference call the Executive Director of Emergency Management or designee will compile the latest weather forecast information and distribute to all call participants.
If severe weather is expected to impact the University later in the day the Executive Director of Emergency Management or designee will convene a conference call at the earliest appropriate time.
If the President makes the decision to delay or cancel classes, the University鈥檚 Chief of Police and/or the Executive Director of Emergency Management (or their designees) will immediately communicate that decision to a representative from Communications and Marketing.
Communications and Marketing is responsible for the distribution of cancelation messages and critical information updates to members of the campus community. Emergency alerts shall be distributed through all appropriate methods. Available emergency communication methods include the following outlets:
- B-ALERT text and email messages
- SafeBing Smartphone App
- Alertus Computer Desktop Notification
- University home web page
- University Alert web page
- Local media outlets (TV & radio)
When is a decision made to re-start classes?
In the event of a delay or cancellation of classes, the decision to re-start classes will be made by the President (or designee) and announced to the campus community and general public. This decision is made with significant input from the University鈥檚 Chief of Police and/or the Executive Director of Emergency Management (or their designees) who will consult with key internal and external stakeholders to develop a recommendation.