Holding Classes in Weather Emergencies

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A Senior Emergency Response Group (SERG) determines the existence and nature of an emergency (including weather emergencies) affecting the college, and initiates appropriate action and communication regarding such events. SERG will continue to serve during the emergency, to coordinate the college’s efforts, and to advise the President on decisions regarding the emergency.

Information on the management of emergencies is posted on the SERG website including the college the policy on college closures due to weather. That latter policy is below, but it is important to note:

  • The college will not hold classes on campus when the decision to close the college due to weather has been communicated to the community.
Weather Emergencies

While emergencies can take many forms, most, in Maine, involve weather. Snow does not by itself constitute an emergency. As a residential college, every effort is made to keep the campus open to support our students and their education. Closure-which can be a full day, a delayed start, or an early close-occurs when a unique hazard exists on campus, when the college facilities team is unable to suitably prepare the campus to be open, or if extreme weather is present, particularly during regular commuting hours.

Please see the employee handbook, section 805.3, for additional information: https://www.bates.edu/hr/files/2010/09/2016-Employee-Handbook.pdf.