Tennessee Wesleyan College Inclement Weather Policy

Tennessee Wesleyan College will remain open except in the most inclement weather conditions. Decisions about closings or delayed openings will be made as soon as possible and based on area weather conditions and predictions.

The Vice President for Student Life, in consultation with the President, may officially close or suspend selected activities of the college due to inclement weather conditions. When a decision to close is made, information is distributed to the campus community via the campus alert system, the college’s social media pages and shared with local/regional media. In the event of closings or delays, essential employees (Food Services, Campus Safety, and Facilities) will still report to campus.

In the event of inclement weather when the college remains open, all faculty and staff are expected to make every reasonable effort to maintain their regular work schedules, but are advised to avoid undue risks in traveling. Employees who anticipate arriving late or not arriving at all should notify their immediate supervisor. Employees have the option of charging their time off to annual leave or to take leave without pay (for hourly employees). With prior approval, employees can make up lost work hours.

In the event of a delayed opening, the Vice President for Student Life will determine a specific time of opening and that information will be distributed to the campus community via the campus alert system, the college’s social media pages and shared with local/regional media. All faculty and staff are expected to report to their specific work location by the set opening time.

In a delayed opening, all classes scheduled prior to the set time of opening are canceled for the day. Students are expected to report to the next class session after the delayed opening. For example, if a delayed opening is set for 10:00 a.m., students who have classes from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. should report to that class at 10:00 a.m. Students who have classes prior to 10:00 a.m. should not report to class.

Students are responsible for any academic work they miss due to absences caused by inclement weather conditions. It is the student's responsibility to take the initiative to make up any missed class work. If a faculty member cannot attend class, it is that faculty member's responsibility to notify their students and to provide a reasonable opportunity to complete assignments or examinations missed due to the weather conditions.

Meal Service: In the event of closings or delayed openings, the dining hall will be opened for meal service; however, hours may be modified. Changes to the dining hall hours will be announced via the campus alert system.

Athletics: In the event of closings or delayed openings, all scheduled athletic events will be decided upon by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the athletic coaching staff.

Nursing and Evening Classes: The directors of these programs will make the determination about classes based on weather conditions in Athens, Knoxville, or Cleveland. Once a decision has been made, local media will be notified and a campus alert will be sent to the appropriate group(s).

Revised: February 7, 2015