Niagara College’s Severe Weather Closures policy has recently been updated, and a related Severe Weather – Staff Attendance procedure has been created. These updates are part of a larger college initiative to review, revise and update Niagara College’s policies and procedures.
Severe Weather Closures policy
The revised Severe Weather Closures policy outlines a framework for college closures in cases of inclement weather, including how such decisions are made and communicated to the college community, as well as staff responsibilities in cases of a campus closure.
Decisions to close campuses before the start of the business day will be made and communicated as early as possible, with the intent to alert the college community by 6:30 a.m. via the college’s website and social media channels.
When the college is open but weather prevents some college personnel from safely attending, resulting in cancellation of classes, services, or activities, the appropriate department will communicate directly with the affected students or members of the public. Deans and directors are also asked to anticipate the effect a closure may have on their programs/services and reach out to the Communications department.
Severe Weather – Staff Attendance procedure
The new Severe Weather – Staff Attendance procedure addresses faculty and staff attendance requirements and responsibilities when severe weather is present, and a decision is made to either close college campuses, or remain open.
Staff are reminded that if the college remains open, faculty and staff normally on duty are expected to attend work. Staff are asked to take every reasonable precaution while travelling. If however, a staff or faculty member chooses not to report for work, they may request a leave without pay or take a vacation day. Full-time support staff may also use lieu time. Should a staff member be away for a previously approved vacation day, and the college closes, the vacation day is still recorded as being taken.
All staff are encouraged to read and familiarize themselves with the policy and procedure and direct any questions to their manager, or to Pam Skinner, Vice President, Corporate Services.
