Dear Members of the Kent State University Community:
Northeast Ohio has enjoyed a warm fall season, but we all know that winter will arrive soon. One of our roles as university leaders is recommending cancellations and closures due to severe weather.
While the safety of our people is our priority, in general the university does not close or cancel classes because of cold weather, winter ice and/or snow. However, on rare occasions, weather conditions may delay or cancel classes or close the Kent Campus. (Note: Kent State’s Regional Campuses will follow the general guidelines below, but each campus makes its own decision based on weather conditions near its campus).
When inclement weather threatens or extreme cold prevails, we expect to announce our actions by 5:30 a.m. for morning and all-day cancellations, 10 a.m. for afternoon classes and 3 p.m. for evening classes. In general, our decision will be guided by the condition of major roadways leading to campus, by the condition of campus roadways and sidewalks, and by our ability to plow our parking lots. For extreme cold, we will delay or cancel when the wind chill reaches (or is predicted to reach) -20 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period.
There are three ways to learn about delays, class cancellations or campus closings:
- Flash ALERTS message and FlashLine email. You can subscribe to Flash ALERTS at www.kent.edu/flashalerts.
- Kent State website. A red bar containing an announcement will appear on the top of the home page if there is a cancellation or closing.
- Television and radio broadcasts.
Below are additional points to keep in mind:
- We understand that on bad-weather days some areas on campus may require additional attention. Please help identify those areas on the Kent Campus by calling 330-672-2345 (the line does not accept texts) or emailing fixit@kent.edu.
- When classes are canceled, university services remain open. This means that staff members are expected to report to work as usual.
- Employees and commuting students should always use sound personal judgments regarding the safety of their travel when deciding whether or not to report to work or classes. Students must arrange to make up missed work promptly; university leave policy governs the reporting and recording of work absences.
- Students in special classes, such as clinical rotations, should consult with their dean on the appropriate procedures for an early morning delay or cancellation.
- A closing order from the Governor’s Office applies to state office buildings and other state employees in the field. Colleges and universities do not fall into this category.
Please be safe as you travel this winter, and go Flashes!
Todd Diacon
Executive Vice President and Provost
Mark M. Polatajko
Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration