V916.02 Severe Weather & Institutional Closure
In the event of severe weather and in the absence of specific information to the contrary, it will be assumed that campus remains open and classes will meet on schedule. Faculty, students, and staff will be responsible for making their individual decisions to come to the campus or not to come, carefully balancing the responsibility of attendance with the necessary considerations of personal safety.
That individuals will make responsible choices is assumed. When the institution remains open during inclement weather, employees unable to report for work shall notify their supervisor and take annual leave or leave without pay. Extra compensation or time off will not be credited to those who attend on those occasions.
If the weather is extremely severe and a decision is made to cancel classes and close offices, announcements will be made on voice mail, email, and the following radio stations: KOVC, Valley City; KSJB & KQDJ, Jamestown; KQLX, Lisbon; and KFGO, Fargo. Only the President of the University is authorized to issue such an announcement and, in his or her absence, the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Business Affairs.
In the event the institution is officially closed, all employees will receive closure pay in the amount of their scheduled hours during the closure. If an employee is not scheduled to work because of a previous arrangement, including annual or sick leave, the employee is not entitled to the additional paid leave. Essential personnel* may be required to work during the period when the institution is officially closed. All non-exempt employees properly authorized to work shall receive additional pay for hours worked during the official closing.
*Essential Personnel: Employees necessary to keep the university operational during the time of closure. (i.e. heat plant operators; may include Student Center employees; resident hall employees depending on time of year).
Sponsored by: Vice President for Academic Affairs & Director of Human Resources
Reviewed: Fall 1997
Revised: Spring 2011
Revised: February 2021