Emergency Closing Policy and Procedures
Sections on this page: Overview | Notification of Closings | Full policy
Overview
Will the seminary be open in bad weather?
The seminary is normally open during periods of ordinary seasonal inclement weather.
An emergency closing of United Theological Seminary will be implemented only under severe and extreme circumstances. All employees are expected to report to work unless they specifically hear otherwise.
Every effort will be made to maintain classes.
When weather conditions and/or a declared state of emergency due to other factors warrants, the seminary may delay the day’s opening or implement an emergency closing of the seminary.
When will a decision to close or delay opening be made?
The decision to close for a full day or to delay the
opening of the seminary will be made by 6:00 a.m.
If severe weather conditions arise later in the day and the seminary decides to cancel evening classes, a decision will be made by 4:00 p.m.
What does “closed” or “delayed opening” mean?
Closed - This normally results when area policing agencies declaring travel emergencies and advising people to remain at home. If this level seems likely, United will be prepared to anticipate such actions and close in time to allow people safe travel home or in time to prevent them from leaving home for the seminary. If the seminary is closed, the seminary library will also be closed.
Delayed Opening - This approach will be used when weather conditions are very treacherous during morning hours due to ice, snow, fog, etc., but are expected to improve considerably, or to allow time for the road crews to create safer travel conditions.
Who makes the decision?
The President or the Academic Dean will make the decision
on whether or not the seminary will be closed, classes delayed, etc.
and any decisions regarding campus operations.
Faculty, staff and students who have concern for conditions near the West Virginia facilities should contact the director of the program.
Faculty, staff and students must assume responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as for their class or work responsibilities.
While this frequently requires a delicate balance, each individual must be the ultimate arbiter of whether to travel to United Theological Seminary under varying conditions.
Notification of Closings
In the event of inclement weather:
Visit United’s web site: announcements of delays or closings will be posted on the home page.
Call the general seminary phone number 937-529-2201: a recorded message about delays or closing will be available from the automated voice answering system.
Listen to any of the following radio or television stations: announcements for delays or closings will be distributed to these public media.
Television
Radio
Full Policy
For additional detail, read the full Emergency Closing Procedure (PDF).
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