As we approach the winter season in Niagara, students, employees, and visitors are reminded to use extra care and caution when travelling to, from and on our campuses during winter weather conditions.
Winter safety tips:
- Allow extra time for travel, making sure your vehicle is winter-ready;
- Check road conditions in advance and drive accordingly – slow down, leave extra space, and turn on your lights;
- Wear appropriate footwear with grippy, slip-resistant soles and good ankle support to prevent slips, trips and falls;
- Consider a backpack to carry books and heavy items to ensure your hands are free to protect yourself in case of a fall;
- Watch for changes in pathway slopes or levels, being careful on steps and snow/slush/ice-covered pathways;
- Walk slowly and take the clearest, most familiar route to your destination;
- Avoid texting while walking.
Year round, drivers are asked to follow posted speed limits on campus roadways, being mindful of high pedestrian foot traffic. Always stay alert and obey the traffic signs.
It’s also recommended to download a weather app on your mobile device and enable push-notifications to stay up-to-date on conditions.
While Niagara College will make every effort to maintain scheduled on-campus services despite severe weather, we may suspend normal operations at any of our campuses.
How and when will the College announce a decision to close?
Decisions to close before the start of the day will be made as early as possible, with an intent to alert the College community by 6:30 a.m. via the College’s website and social media. Local media will also be notified in the event of a campus closure.
Which classes are cancelled during a closure?
In the event of a College campus closure due to inclement weather, all scheduled on-campus classes/labs will be cancelled for the duration of the closure, while all online courses and remote services/appointments will continue as scheduled.
NC’s Severe Weather Closures policy addresses our remote learning and workplace environments. The policy outlines a framework for College closures in the event of inclement weather.
In the event of a College campus closure due to severe weather, all employees working remotely or delivering online classes will continue to fulfill their regular responsibilities as scheduled.
Work Integrated Learning (practicums, placements, internships, co-ops, etc.)
Students who are scheduled to attend in-person at other sites for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) during a NC weather closure are asked to follow the protocols of their program and WIL host. If they are unable to attend, they are asked to advise their host and College contact (i.e. placement coordinator).