Reminder: Pending Snowstorm and Emergency Cancellations and Delays Policy
The following message was sent by email to students, faculty and staff on Dec. 15.
Dear Members of the Campus Community:
In light of weather forecasts predicting significant snow accumulation in the Hudson Valley beginning late afternoon Wednesday, Dec. 16, and continuing into the late morning on Thursday, Dec. 17, we share the following reminder about our Emergency Cancellations and Delays Policy, which was updated earlier this year with new policies and practices for inclement weather events in the current era of COVID-19 and telecommuting.
Snow/ice cleanup on campus
While clearing of snow and ice on campus will continue during our energy reduction period in December and January, members of our community should expect campus cleanup to take place primarily during daytime working hours while classes are not meeting in person and many employees are working from home. Please make wide use of the current telecommuting policy.
Employees who must come to work or choose to come to work should be aware that snow and ice cleanup is happening in phases, and is focused in areas where essential employees are working and our remaining resident students are living.
Deciding whether to travel to campus
Per our policy, in a situation where there is inclement weather, but offices are open, employees must use their best judgment as to whether they feel comfortable traveling on the roadways. In these circumstances, it is up to the individual to decide whether to travel to campus. Please remember that only the Governor can close the campus.
The College asks that employees notify supervisors of their planned absence and their intention to use leave credits, as appropriate.
Employees who can perform their work from home and take advantage of the telecommuting policy do not need to charge accruals.
Possible office opening delays
Per our policy, we can delay office openings until 10:45 a.m. without charge to leave credits. We remind employees that not all campus roadways and walkways will be cleared by 10:45 a.m. Cleanup will continue throughout the day, as the storm is predicted to end late Thursday morning.
Information for “essential state employees”
“Essential state employees” are expected to report to work. Employees are designated as “essential” during inclement weather if they are employed in positions that must be staffed to preserve the public safety or welfare of the campus community. If you are uncertain about which category of employee you are, contact your supervisor.
The full Emergency Cancellations and Delays Policy is available online.