WILKES UNIVERSITY

Policy on Inclement Weather
For the most reliable postponement, closing and reopening information, members of the
Wilkes community and visitors should rely on the only three official sources of
information:
Wilkes’ homepage (www.wilkes.edu) under the "Latest News" section.
MyWilkes Web Portal
Inclement Weather Hotline: (570) 408-SNOW (7669)
The University’s goal is to keep the campus open whenever possible. In the event of
inclement weather, University officials will make every attempt to render a prompt
decision regarding curtailment of classes and activities. Decisions will be based on
weather forecasts, campus conditions and the conditions surrounding the University.
The University will continue operation of essential and emergency services during
inclement weather closings.
Once a decision to curtail operations has been made, the information will be
disseminated on campus and to the media and will indicate whether classes are canceled
or if we are moving to a compressed schedule. Every effort will be made to make
morning announcements by 6:00 AM and decisions regarding evening classes by 3:30
PM. Announcements regarding delays or cancellations will be made on local radio and
television stations and the emergency texting system. Students, faculty and staff may
also call the Inclement Weather Hotline (408-SNOW – 408-7669) to learn if class and
work schedules have been altered. Callers will hear a recorded message announcing any
change in schedule. Information on class cancellations or work-schedule changes will
be placed on the line as soon as it becomes official.
The University recognizes that our commuting students come from a wide geographic
area and that road conditions can vary greatly throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Common sense and good judgment should act as a guide as to whether or not students
can get to the University, or if a departure from campus earlier than closing time is
required. We anticipate that the faculty will respect student judgment in these matters.
In such situations students should make every effort to notify an instructor in advance
regarding their inability to travel to campus. If advance contact cannot be made, then
students should speak to their instructors about their absence upon their return to
campus.
If classes are not canceled, but an individual faculty member is unable to conduct class,
then the faculty member should contact the department chair and/or department office
to arrange for student notification. Faculty are encouraged to arrange a system for
communicating to their students should it be necessary to cancel class
In cases when the University closes, full time and part time employees who are
scheduled to work during declared times of closing will be granted time off from work
with pay. Employees who are not scheduled to work will not be paid for the closing.
When the decision has been made not to curtail operations, but travelling conditions are
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