Get Prepared for Inclement Winter Weather
Updated: 11/14/2018
JONESBORO – During periods of inclement weather, Arkansas State University Provost Lynita Cooksey asks the A-State community to be flexible and responsible regarding classes and assignments.
“Commuter students are encouraged to use good judgment in deciding whether to drive to campus during inclement weather,” Cooksey said. “Student safety is important to A-State, but we cannot account for the local circumstances of every student when a decision to open or close the university is made. This is why I say that students should not take chances. At the same time, they must communicate with their professors.”
The Provost reminds students when the decision is made to not travel to campus under this policy, it is the responsibility of the student to immediately contact each professor upon return to explain the circumstances and to determine the need to complete any missed assignments.
Students are responsible for all missed assignments during inclement weather within a time frame to be determined by the professor. When notified by a student, professors are asked to honor the absence as excused and not count against any attendance penalty for the coursework.
The Provost also reminds students that during times of university closure or inclement weather, faculty may continue instruction through Arkansas State’s online capabilities. During closures, faculty may and often will substitute in-classroom assignments with online instruction through Blackboard, email and other appropriate means of communication to maintain academic continuity of courses.
When such changes are made, it is incumbent upon both the faculty to communicate the change and for students to monitor their official Arkansas State student email account so that they can receive notifications.
If a faculty member cannot travel and cannot conduct class, they should alert their chair/dean as soon as possible and notify students of changes.
As a reminder to faculty and students, on days with delayed opening, “all academic classes regularly scheduled to begin prior to the delayed opening time will be cancelled and will not meet”. Similarly, on days with early dismissal, “the University will cease all academic classes and regular business operations at a publicly announced time. In such an event, all remaining day and evening classes will be cancelled after a specified time.” (Arkansas State Operating Procedures, 03-02, Inclement Weather)
Regarding inclement weather alerts, Arkansas State reminds all students that official announcements will be made only through official university communications. The official university website, AState.edu, is supplemented by the verified university social media accounts -- on Facebook (Facebook.com/ArkansasState) and Twitter (@ArkansasState). Email communication for emergency and weather alerts is provided to the official AState.edu issued faculty and staff or student accounts. Individuals who have signed up for text alerts will also receive notices of opening and closures.
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