Inclement Weather Procedure - 63.10.04
College Policy Number/Title:
Howard Community College normally will not close for inclement weather. The college will only close in cases of severe weather or other emergencies that require the closing of most businesses, industries, schools, and colleges in the immediate area. Examples of other emergencies that might require a closing, delayed opening, suspension, or interruption of work hours include fire, loss of electrical power, or impairment of the heating and cooling systems. The president of the college will consult with facilities, public safety, and the president’s team to determine the circumstances of college closings or other modifications to normal work hours.
If a decision is made to close the college prior to the start of the normal workday, or if there is to be a delayed opening, notification will be issued prior to 6:00 a.m. to the media and the college’s mobile alert system, web page, and main telephone line at 443-518-1000. It should be noted that the media may not announce the college’s status immediately or correctly, so employees should always verify media announcements via the mobile alert system, the web page, or the phone line. Employees are encouraged to enroll in the mobile alert system via the portal. Cancellation of evening classes will be communicated in the same manner by 4:00 p.m.
In some cases the college will announce it is closing for an operational shift. The college’s schedule of operations is as follows:
| Day schedule: | 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Evening schedule: | 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
| Night schedule: | 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. |
If it becomes necessary to cancel, interrupt, or suspend the work shift of employees scheduled to work during the night schedule, the executive director of capital projects and facilities or designee will have the authority to make this decision. After the decision has been made, the executive director of capital projects and facilities or designee will notify the vice president of administration and finance and the human resources and finance offices, no later than the following morning, of any shift adjustments including the exact hours of college closing. It will be the responsibility of the vice president of administration and finance to notify the president of any closing during the night schedule.
Certain personnel may be required to continue to work until the emergency has been minimized and no longer necessitates their services. Appropriate compensatory arrangements will be made if personnel are required to work beyond the announced closing time.
In inclement weather situations where the college remains open, it is expected that employees will use their judgment to determine if they can report to work without taking unnecessary risks regarding their safety. Employees who believe their safety may be jeopardized by reporting to or remaining at work should request that their supervisor allow the use of accrued leave or, if unavailable, leave without pay. Employees with previous approval for telework may exercise this option with approval of their supervisors. Supervisors are expected to approve such requests if reasonable under the circumstances, and contact the office of human resources if there are concerns.
Effective Date: 04/12/19
President's Office Use: VPAF/PRES/CHRO