Suspension of Operations and Closing of the College Procedure

1. Purpose

Loyalist College is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for students, staff and campus visitors.  The following procedure sets out the process for a campus closure due to weather conditions or other emergencies.

2. Application

This policy applies to College students and employees.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

Senior Director of Infrastructure/designate will:

• Monitor the various weather service advisories to determine the forecast or contact with utility providers.
• Advise the Vice-President Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer of the weather forecast, and campus and regional conditions.

4. College Closure Decisions

• 4.1 In the event of an emergency, authorization for suspension of normal operations or closing the College, a campus or satellite location may only be granted by the President or designate.
• 4.2 The decision will be communicated to the Vice President, External Relations or designate by 6:30 am for daytime classes and by 3:00 pm for evening classes. If the decision to close is announced before the start of normal working hours, employees normally on duty at the affected locations do not have to report for duty unless they are advised by the College that their services are required.
• 4.3 Should a decision be made for the College to remain open; weather conditions will be monitored throughout the day. If conditions change that warrant a cancellation of classes for College closure after 6:30 am, these decisions will be made as quickly as possible and communicated. For all other emergency closures, these decisions will be made as quickly as possible to address health and safety concerns.
• 4.4 When a decision to close a College building has been made, occupancy or access to the closed building will be determined at the discretion of the Senior Director of Infrastructure or College Executive Team (CET).

5. College Closure Notification

• 5.1 Once approved, the Senior Director of Infrastructure or designate will alert College security, switchboard, cafeteria, bookstore, print services and cleaning services.
• 5.2 The Vice President of External Relations will contact the local radio stations and online news sources to advise them that the college is closed and the reason. A comprehensive list of current newspaper and radio contact information is maintained by the External Relations department.
• 5.3 The Vice President of External Relations will also ensure that information about the closure is posted on the website and send a message via email to all students, faculty and staff; myLoyalist portal; and social media.

6. Related Documents or Links

• ADMIN 105 – Suspension of Operations and Closing of the College Policy