Inclement Weather Policy

Alvernia made it a practice to hold virtual days, with classes held online and work completed remotely during inclement weather whenever possible. This page features information regarding the university's inclement weather policy, decision making and notification systems.

The university uses Omnilert text and email alerts, social media and the website to notify students and employees when there is a delay or change in campus operations. The expectation should always be that the campuses are operating as normal, unless otherwise indicated. For severe weather that compromises services or safety while classes are in session, an announcement will be made as soon as possible; if overnight, an announcement will be made around 6 a.m. regarding the services to be provided for that day. (IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are signed up for Omnilert email alerts, please check your junk email to make sure the messages are not getting caught in spam filters.)

Again, unless notified differently, the university will always be operating on a normal schedule. Note: Food services for residential students remain open.

University Information

Decision-Making

Forecasting of Weather: Alvernia consults a variety of weather forecasting and products including subscription services, National Weather Service forecasts, alerts and emergency management briefings. Alvernia University Emergency Management compiles the forecast data as well as information from various university departments and discusses with the Public Safety Advisory Committee to determine if weather conditions will affect campus activities.
Safety is Paramount: Alvernia University Public Safety, Facilities & Operations, Information Technology Services, University Relations and Marketing, and the Provost Office, evaluate expected weather conditions and the ability to maintain the campus in safe and passable condition. A recommendation from the collective individuals will be discussed between the COO and Provost for virtual day and delay decisions based on the forecast and the ability to maintain campus activities due to the weather conditions.
Varying Weather Conditions: Weather conditions vary drastically within the region and between Alvernia University instructional sites within the region. With that in mind, the Public Safety Advisory Committee takes into consideration all of the commuters coming to campus. Safety of students, faculty and staff is paramount in determining the status of campus operations; however, safe conditions are often a subjective matter. Alvernia may need to have a virtual day or delay opening at individual instruction sites separate from the main instructional site.
Your Options: The university has made it a practice to hold classes online during inclement weather whenever possible. It is the student’s decision, based on their assessment of the situation, whether or not to attend class and/or university activities. Students who choose not to attend class must contact their professors prior to class and make up any work assigned. Students are to check the Learning Management System for specific course instructions.
Declaration of a State of Emergency: On occasion, the governor may declare a State of Emergency due to inclement weather. This may also include a declaration that state agencies and offices will not open or will close early due to inclement weather. Please note, the University does not open or close based on this declaration and uses the methods presented in this document to make the best decision for the University, UNLESS there is a state declaration that all roads in the state be clear of traffic.
Additional Information: Balancing weather conditions with scheduled classes, activities and events can be very difficult. We thank the university community for understanding the complexity of the situation and for patience during inclement weather. For all other emergency management guidelines please go to our policy manual.

Compressed Schedule

Note: For longer labs, the grid start time is correct and your instructor will ensure that the class ends within the compressed time frame block associated with the regularly scheduled end of the course. Any questions on the status of your class, check Blackboard and contact your instructor.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

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.

Tuesday & Thursday

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.

Saturday & Sunday

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

If the campus is on a virtual day or delayed for weather, the 24/7 Library will remain open to students during weather-related closures.

Shuttle Operation

During a compressed schedule, Alvernia's shuttles will begin running at one hour before the first scheduled class time. If the university closes early, the Shuttle will run for one hour following the announced closing time.