The policy at Ohio State Lima is to remain open and operational for classes during times of difficult weather, even as local and regional schools delay or close, unless conditions are severe enough to endanger personal safety. Individual safety for both students and faculty/staff is the highest priority, and every individual is free to make whatever decisions necessary to ensure personal safety.
When weather conditions warrant closing the campus, we will try to get that information to the media by 6:00 a.m. Local radio and television carry these announcements. The Ohio State Lima web site also reports campus closings or delays.
If weather forces a delay, classes will usually begin at 10:00 a.m. Students and faculty/staff should report to the place they would normally be at 10:00 a.m. The portion of the class that was scheduled prior to the announced delay time has been cancelled as well as that portion of the same class which extends no more than 30 minutes beyond the delayed start time. For example, if campus delays until 10:00 a.m., a class starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 10:20 a.m. has been canceled for the day. However, a class starting at 8:00 a.m. but ending at 11:00 a.m. would still be holding class for one hour starting at 10:00 a.m. Activities scheduled to begin on or after the delayed start time will be conducted in a normal manner with students held responsible for any material presented.
The following guidelines will be in operation unless the decision has been made to close the campus:
1. If the campus is open, it is expected that all faculty/staff will report to work and meet their regularly scheduled classes. If individuals feel that travel to campus is too hazardous, they may call in and cancel their class(es). Faculty/staff with teaching responsibilities and not reporting to campus must:
- Contact the local faculty support person and request that they put a notice of canceled class at the entrance of the classroom.
- Go online to: http://lima.osu.edu/cancellations/
Follow directions to list your class as cancelled and leave a message on the Ohio State Lima web site. - Call in and set up a voice mail message on your office phone indicating which classes are cancelled, so students may check on class cancellations. This phone number should be available on the course syllabus, and this procedure should be discussed with students. (Your faculty support person should be able to let you know how to do this).
2. Faculty/staff reporting to work are expected to meet their regularly scheduled classes and to deliver instruction appropriate for the membership of the class in attendance that day. If the class is unusually small, the instructor may opt to have a “review” day or some other type of class appropriate for the current situation. Useful instruction should be available for those students making the effort to attend classes.
3. If campus is open, all students are expected to make a reasonable effort to attend classes. Any student feeling that travel would unduly endanger their safety may elect to not attend class, and should be allowed to make up the necessary work without penalty. Students are accountable for any material and assignments missed during an absence without an official delay or announced cancellation.
M. Cunningham – Associate Dean Updated: 11/7/03
