A Rewarding Place to Work

Inclement Weather Policy

2007-2008

It is the practice of Lees-McRae College to continue operations,
both instructional and otherwise, even when facing snow, ice, or other harsh weather.

When Operations Continue

In the event that the Banner Elk area experiences such inclement conditions, and that classes or other operations are not delayed or cancelled, students and employees should exercise all due care, caution, and prudent judgment in their determination of whether travel to campus is safe and warranted. The same applies to students and employees whose responsibilities lie at off-campus sites.

In either case, the college appreciates the efforts of both students and employees to meet their obligations when operations continue uninterrupted. However, unnecessary risk of life, limb, and property is to be avoided. As a matter of protocol and courtesy, in the event that the decision is made not to attempt travel, students or employees should make every effort to inform the appropriate instructor or supervisor of that decision. With regard to college employees, if contact with the immediate supervisor is not possible, the message should be relayed through the office of the appropriate Cabinet Member.

When Operations Are Delayed or Cancelled

If extraordinarily severe conditions warrant, the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty (Dr. Edwin Spears), in consultation with the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration (Mr. David Browning), may delay classes, cancel classes, delay opening of the college, or close the college. These distinctions being important, the following definitions become significant:

· “Classes Will Begin At …”: Classes begin at the stated time; other college operations begin as usual.

· “Classes Are Cancelled”: Classes throughout the day are cancelled; other college operations continue as usual. (Administrators, administrative staff, professional staff, custodial staff, and other non-instructional staff are expected to continue operations within the parameters of the above remarks.)

· “The College Will Open At …”: Both classes and administrative operations begin at the stated time.

· “The College Is Closed”: Both classes and administrative operations are cancelled for the day. Only essential staff (e.g., food services, physical plant, security) are expected to report to campus, under the parameters of the policies and direction of their supervisors.

These decisions will be communicated through the following channels:

· Campus-wide broadcast voice mail.

· Campus-wide email.

· College switchboard automated answering machine (898-5241).

· Various media outlets, including:

o Radio: WECR, Boone/Newland (102.3 FM & 1130 AM) … WZJS, Boone (100.7 FM) … WKYK, Burnsville (940 AM) … WQUT, Johnson City (98.5 FM)

o Television: WBTV, Charlotte (“TV-3”) … WJHL, Johnson City (“TV-11”) … WKPT, Kingsport (“TV-8”) … MTN, Boone (“TV-18”) … WSOC, Charlotte (“TV-9”) … WCYB, Bristol (“TV-5”) … WLOS, Asheville (“TV-13”) … Helicon Cable Bulletin Board (channel 2).