Suspension of Operations and Closing of the College

1. Introduction and Purpose

The safety of our College community – students, employees and visitors – is always a top priority. Loyalist serves a large service area and conditions can vary widely within the region. Decisions made to close Loyalist College are made with the safety of its community as its key factor.

The following policy sets out the guidelines for a campus closure due to weather conditions or other emergencies.

2. Application

This policy applies to the entire college community.

3. Definitions

Emergencies – hazardous situations, building services disruptions, utility failures, floods, excessive heat or cold, or unusually severe adverse weather conditions

4. Policy Statement

• 4.1 Deciding to Close the College
  • Except for the December holiday break and statutory holidays, the college remains open every day. On occasion, severe weather conditions or other emergencies where the safety of the College community is at significant risk may require the College to close.  The following criteria will be considered to determine if a college closure is necessary.
  • The safety of employees and students.
  • The ability of the College to maintain safe conditions.
  • Current and forecasted weather conditions.
  • Current and forecasted road conditions.
  • Public transportation availability.
• 4.2 Closing the College
  • If the college is closed, classes and examinations are suspended, college buildings are closed, meetings and events are cancelled.  Students are to check communications from their professor/instructor for details on how the missed class will be addressed.
  • Should this action be necessary, the College will provide as much notice as possible in the circumstance to minimize inconvenience.
    • Note: No change will be made to an employee’s status should they be on sick leave, vacation, leave, leave of absence, etc. in the event the College is closed for any of the reasons contained in this policy.
• 4.3 Closing the College
  • Loyalist College is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for students, staff and campus visitors. When Loyalist College is open, there is an expectation that students and employees will make every effort to attend work or class, considering the safety of themselves and others. 
  • If the College is open, but a student is unable to attend class because of unexpected severe weather, the student must notify their professors/instructors as soon as possible and follow any special instructions as per the course outline or learning plan.
  • If the College is open, but an employee is unable to attend work because of unexpected severe weather, the employee must inform their manager as soon as possible.  Upon approval by their manager, the absence may be recorded as a vacation or the employee can make up the time.
  • Students who are scheduled for off-campus placements will adhere to the decision of their work placement. Students or employees, who are unable to report to their placement, must notify their placement contact as soon as possible.

5. Related Documents

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