Winter Storm Policy

Since the majority of students live either on-campus or relatively near the college off-campus, most would be able to attend classes in stormy weather. Many faculty and staff also live close enough to the campus to make it to the college in most cases. Consequently, classes are typically held, and the college remains open, for anyone who is able to be here. However, in the final analysis, anyone living away from the campus (with the exception of essential personnel) must make a personal judgment (with safety being the primary criteria) about the wisdom of traveling to the college.

Faculty who are unable to attend their classes on storm days are asked to notify their department chairperson and Registrar by phone, and to log on to the college website and post a notice that their class(es) will not be held. Staff who are unable to make it to the office are asked to contact their supervisor by phone.

There will be times when the college may be forced to cancel classes or, on rare occasions, to close entirely due to the severity of conditions. The decision-making process about whether or not to hold classes, or close the college, will begin at approximately 5 a.m. - with a final decision prior to 6:30 a.m. The decision will be announced on local radio and television off-campus, and on-campus through cobweb, home page, message boards and the main information line (299-4000). Students may also check the college website for postings about specific classes being canceled.

Unless notified to the contrary, assume classes are being held and the college is open. Please do not call Campus Security/Public Safety unless it is an emergency.

Decision Making Protocol for Canceling Classes or Closing the College
5:00-5:30 a.m. - A Security/Public Safety Officer will review the situation by communicating with the Moorhead Police Department and Sheriff's office and then convey this information to the Director of Security/Public Safety.

5:45 a.m. - The Director of Security/Public Safety will notify the Provost with this information and share observations and recommendations.

6:00 a.m. - If the Provost determines that classes should be canceled or the college closed, he will confirm that decision by conferring with the President. A decision will be made by 6:15 AM. If there is a decision to cancel classes or close, the Provost will call the Communications Office who will then contact the media and post the announcement on the home page under emergency messages.


Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students