Inclement Weather Policy

Weather Announcements

For the most reliable postponement, closing and reopening information, members of the Wilkes community and visitors should rely on these official sources of information:

General Information

The University's goal is to keep the campus open whenever possible.

In the event of inclement weather, University officials will make every attempt to render a prompt decision regarding curtailment of classes and activities.

Decisions will be based on weather forecasts, campus conditions and the conditions surrounding the University. The University will continue operation of essential and emergency services during inclement weather closings.

Once a decision to curtail operations has been made, the information will be disseminated on campus and will indicate whether classes are canceled or if we are moving to a compressed schedule. Every effort will be made to make morning announcements by approx. 6 a.m. and decisions regarding evening classes by approx. 4 p.m.

Announcements regarding delays or cancellations will be communicated via text message and email and will be posted on the homepage of Wilkes.edu. Students, faculty and staff may also call the Inclement Weather Hotline (408-SNOW | 570-408-7669) to learn if class and work schedules have been altered. Callers will hear a recorded message announcing any change in schedule. Information on class cancellations or work-schedule changes will be placed on the line as soon as it becomes official. In addition, information is frequently shared by local television stations, but the best place for the most up-to-date info is through the official Wilkes channels identified at the top of this page.

The University recognizes that our commuting students come from a wide geographic area and that road conditions can vary greatly throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Common sense and good judgment should act as a guide as to whether or not students can get to the University, or if a departure from campus earlier than closing time is required. We anticipate that the Faculty will respect student judgment in these matters. In such situations students should make every effort to notify an instructor in advance regarding their inability to travel to campus. If advance contact cannot be made, then students should speak to their instructors about their absence upon their return to campus.

Cross-registered students at King's College and/or Misericordia University should check for decisions made at those campus.

Classes held off campus will follow any decisions made by their host site.

If classes are not canceled, but an individual faculty member is unable to conduct class, the faculty member should contact the department chair and/or department office to arrange for student notification. Faculty are encouraged to arrange a system for communicating to their students should it be necessary to cancel class.

Campus Closure

In-Person Classes Impacted by Inclement Weather

If the University closes the campus or offices due to inclement weather, each faculty member who was scheduled to teach in-person during the closure should determine whether the impacted class will meet remotely at the normal time, will be canceled, or will be replaced by a substitute activity. Faculty members are responsible for notifying their students of their decisions and should tell their students as soon as possible. This approach is intended to provide faculty members and students with as much flexibility as possible. If a student cannot participate in a remote class, the student is responsible for the material presented in the remote class.

In the event of a compressed schedule, classes normally held in a face-to-face fashion cannot be held at their regularly scheduled time in a virtual format. This is because students will need time to get to campus for classes that begin at 10 a.m. Classes can be moved to virtual formats during a compressed schedule, but must follow the compressed scheduled timeframe outlined below.

Virtual Classes During Inclement Weather

Virtual classes that are scheduled to meet synchronously (at a set time each day) will still meet remotely during inclement weather unless the faculty member notifies students in the class otherwise. In the event of a compressed schedule, synchronous virtual classes will follow the same compressed schedule as face-to-face classes.

Compressed Schedule

Normal Compressed
8-8:50 a.m. 10-10:40 a.m.
9-9:50 a.m. 10:45-11:25 a.m.
10-10:50 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
11-11:50 a.m. 12:15-12:55 p.m.
12-12:50 p.m. 1-1:40 p.m.
1-1:50 p.m. 1:45-2:25 p.m.
2-2:50 p.m. 2:30-3:10 p.m.
3-3:50 p.m. 3:15-3:55 p.m.
4-4:50 p.m. 4-4:50 p.m.
Regular night-class schedule.
Normal Compressed
8-8:50 a.m. 10-10:50 a.m.
8-9:15 a.m. 10-10:50 a.m.
9-9:50 a.m. 11-11:50 a.m.
9:30-10:45 a.m. 11-11:50 a.m.
10-10:50 a.m. 12-12:50 p.m.
Resume regular class schedule at 1 p.m.
Normal Compressed
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30-5:30 p.m. 2-5:30 p.m.

Noon Start

During inclement weather, as an alternative to the compressed schedule, the University may choose to open at noon, remaining on a regular class schedule. This option will preserve the afternoon and evening schedule, and allow an extra two hours for road and weather conditions to improve.

Library Inclement Weather Policy

In the event that the campus is closed or delayed for weather, the upper floors of the library will close with the campus. The 24/7 basement will remain open to students during weather related closures. For more detailed information about library hours and closures, please see the library website external website.

Shuttle Operation

During a compressed schedule, the shuttle will begin running at 9 a.m. If the University closes early, the Shuttle will run for one hour following the announced closing time.