WKU prepares for winter weather

WKU+prepares+for+winter+weather

Herald staff

President Gary Ransdell sent out an email to faculty and staff Wednesday, March 4 informing them of changes in WKU’s weather policy.

The administrative council amended the Severe Weather Notification to include that the provost, along with the president, may cancel or delay classes while keeping the university open and on its regular schedule.

It also has new mandates for regional campuses, saying that regional chancellors are to determine if their specific campus closes. They will then coordinate with Public Affairs to release information on any closings.

The administrative council also allowed an option that if a WKU employee can’t make it into work, they can work from home.

Ransdell closed the email by saying that WKU officials are tracking the weather, and will make an announcement later today. 

Already today, WKU’s Owensboro campus will close at noon and the Elizabethtown and Fort Knox campuses will close at 3 p.m. today and remain closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Glasgow campus will close at 7 p.m., and all classes starting by 5 p.m. or later are cancelled.

Ransdell’s email: 

Fellow Faculty and Staff:

In light of the recent weather conditions the week of February 16, and the predicted bad weather tonight, members of the Administrative Council reviewed our current weather policies and determined a need for clarification to the following policies:

1. Policy #0.2010, Severe Weather Warnings

· III.B.1.f. – Added a provision for when classes are cancelled but the University is open.

· III.B.2.a. and III.B.2.c. – Revisions regarding Regional Campuses.

2. Policy #4.2600, Attendance During Adverse Weather Conditions

· II.2 – Added the option for employees to work remotely from home.

Both policies are attached and the additions/revisions are highlighted in yellow. In addition, the attached list of essential services is intended to be a general reference for which employee groups are considered essential when the University is closed for adverse weather. However, this is not a definitive list and employees should check with your immediate supervisor to determine the specific needs within your department when the University is closed. We are closely tracking the weather patterns and will make an announcement later today.

Thanks,

Gary