In light of weather forecasts predicting heavy snow accumulation in the Hudson Valley beginning tonight, Sunday, Jan. 31, and continuing through Tuesday, Feb. 2, we share the following reminder about our Emergency Cancellations and Delays Policy, which has been updated with new policies and practices for inclement weather events in the current era of COVID-19 and telecommuting.
In-person classes may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather
College leadership is monitoring the path of the storm and plans to make a determination early this evening, Jan. 31, about cancelling or delaying classes tomorrow, Feb. 1. We will notify the campus community by email and text message if in-person classes and on-campus testing are delayed or cancelled.
Faculty have the option to meet remotely if in-person classes are cancelled. If they do meet remotely, they will not have to use makeup days later in the semester. This decision will be left to the discretion of each faculty member. The College asks that faculty communicate their plans to their students as soon as possible, and that students notify professors if they are unable to attend remote class meetings due to technology or other issues.
When the College makes the decision to delay or cancel in-person classes, this does not apply to online classes. However, a faculty member teaching an online course from a physical classroom on campus will have the discretion to cancel the class, to be made up at a later date. Online class meetings will take place as originally scheduled unless otherwise noted. Faculty members who are unable to host online class meetings as scheduled are encouraged to notify students as quickly as possible upon making that determination.
On-campus COVID-19 testing
In the event that classes are cancelled, our on-campus COVID-19 testing site will be closed as well. Those who are planning to be tested on Monday, Feb. 1, can use this link to view the COVID-19 testing schedule and see alternative testing options for this week.
Snow/ice cleanup on campus
Members of our community should expect campus cleanup to take place primarily during daytime working hours while 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 resident students are living and essential employees are working.
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 may be cleared by 10:45 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 1.
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.
