Emergency Closing Policy

Closure Policy

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

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

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 Emergency Closing 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 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 campuses.
• 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.

Types of Closures

Categories of closings for inclement weather or other emergency situations include:

Full Closure

All courses and activities are canceled. All campus offices are closed. Essential personnel will report to campus.

Virtual Closure

Campus is closed. Students should consult with their faculty members on any expectations to complete course work virtually. Employees will work remotely. Essential personnel will report to campus.

In the event of a virtual closure, faculty members 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.

Virtual classes that are scheduled to meet synchronously (at a set time each day) will still meet remotely during a virtual closure unless the faculty member notifies students in the class otherwise.

Compressed Schedule

Classes will begin at 10 a.m. and follow a compressed schedule. Offices will open at 10 a.m. Essential personnel should report as scheduled.

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 to allow students 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.

Noon Start

As an alternative to the compressed schedule, the University may choose to open at noon, remaining on a regular class schedule for classes beginning at noon and later. This option preserves the afternoon and evening schedule and allows an extra two hours for conditions to improve.

Early Dismissal

Face-to-face classes starting at the time noted in the campus announcement and later are canceled. Students should consult with faculty members on any expectations to complete course work virtually. Offices will close at the time noted in the campus announcement.

Other Changes during Closures

Athletic & Extracurricular Activities

If the University is on a virtual closure, compressed schedule, noon start or early dismissal, all athletic and extracurricular activities (including student activities, club meetings, sports competitions/practices, University sponsored travel, University sponsored events, face-to-face supplemental instruction, rehearsals for performing arts, external community activities) will be canceled until the University reopens. It will be the responsibility of the primary contact to notify event participants of plans to reschedule. Exceptions to this policy may only be made based on extraordinary circumstances.

In the event of a full closure, all activities are canceled.

Library Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of a virtual closure, compressed schedule, noon start or early dismissal, the upper floors of the library will close with the campus, but the 24/7 basement will remain open. In the event of a full closure, the basement will close until the rest of campus reopens.

Detailed Library Hours & Closure Policies 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.