King University is concerned about the safety of students, staff, and faculty. This policy and these procedures have been guided by the belief that the University is a community and as such is normally open during periods of ordinary seasonal inclement weather or other disruptions. The University equally values the safety and lives of all students, faculty, and staff, while recognizing that we must maintain the effective operation of the university during inclement weather and other emergencies when possible.
In the event that any King University campus is closed, or in-person classes are canceled, all online classes will continue as scheduled. Faculty members are to recover, to the best of their ability, lost instructional time from in-person class cancelations via online assignments, web video conferencing, extra assignments, or individual conferences. Additionally, coursework may be made up by rescheduled class times, extended class time, or other alternatives as determined by the Provost.
Decisions to Change the Operating Status of the University for Inclement Weather
Inclement weather or other circumstances that interfere with University operations can come at various times of the day and any given day of the week with unpredictable intensity and geographic impact. Cancellation and delay decisions are based on available information concerning the impact on the campus. The University recognizes employees and students often drive from locations where conditions may be quite different. If any student or employee determines road conditions or other factors make it unsafe for travel to campus, they should contact their instructor or supervisor by phone and/or email in advance of the class or workday. There are five primary factors behind a decision to cancel classes and/or close a campus for weather conditions:
- The time of day: the amount, rate, and type of precipitation; and the best weather forecast information available at the time of the decision.
- The condition of major roadways in the region.
- The condition of primary roads around University facilities.
- The condition of sidewalks and parking lots around University buildings. o The operational status of other entities such as public transportation, etc.
The final decision for changing the operating status of any King University campus, facility, or function is the responsibility of the President or his designee. For this policy’s purposes, implementation responsibility is delegated to the Director of Safety and Security.
When inclement weather occurs or is predicted, the following process will be followed:
- The Director of Security will monitor weather conditions and will contact the local police, city public works, and/or state departments of transportation to ascertain road conditions in all areas where King University offers courses. Consultation may also be made with the King University Facilities Services Department and other offices/departments as appropriate and necessary.
- If conditions warrant a change of schedule by 6 a.m. a delayed opening should be called, and appropriate media and offices will be notified.
- If conditions worsen by 9 a.m. then the University will be closed for inclement weather. Appropriate media and offices will be notified.
- If inclement weather worsens or occurs during the day, a decision for cancellation of evening classes should be made by 3 p.m. and appropriate media and offices will be notified.
- If inclement weather occurs or worsens after 3 p.m., the Director of Security and/or the Security Officer on duty will advise faculty/students of the weather conditions and advise early dismissal.
Schedule changes will be announced in the following ways:
- Local Media
- King University email
- King University Website
- Emergency Text Notification
- King University Information Line 423.652.6446
Faculty, staff, and students should always exercise personal safety when driving to and from campus.
University Operating Status
Under extraordinary conditions the University may implement one of the following, which are described in detail below.
- Closed
- Cancellation of Classes
- Delayed Opening
- Early Release
- Localized and Temporary Closing
- Cancellation of Campus Activities
- Virtual Operations
Closed
Under unusual or extreme conditions, there are times that the University will shut down all campus operations: classes are canceled, and offices are closed. If the University is closed, employees are not to report. However, certain Essential Employees necessary to protect the university and maintain life safety systems may be asked to report by the appropriate Vice President (or their designee) on a case- by-case basis. These employees may or may not have been classified as “Essential Personnel” on their job descriptions since all employees may be called upon in a crisis. Each employee will be notified in response to each specific emergency. An official closing announcement will be communicated via the University communications channels described in this policy.
Cancellation of Classes
Classes are canceled on all or part of the Bristol campus, and all other operations continue to function as usual. Employees should report as usual. Undergraduate student employees do not have to report to work if they choose not to but should notify their supervisors. Graduate student employees should check with their supervisor for guidance. In-person classes will always be canceled when the entire campus is closed.
The announcement will specify which campuses or classroom sites will be affected. Please be advised that no announcement means the University operating status will remain as usual. Additionally, cancellation of classes at one location does not automatically imply cancellation at other locations. For sites based on another college campus or other location, we will defer to the decision of that institution regarding schedule changes and/or cancellation of classes due to inclement weather.
Delayed Opening
This status may apply when weather conditions or other circumstances interfere with University operations but conditions are expected to improve. In- person classes and offices will follow the published delayed opening schedule. If conditions do not improve, a decision may be made later to close the University (essential personnel reporting). An official delayed opening announcement will be communicated via the university communications channels described in this policy.
Early Release
In the event of an official early release, the university will communicate the announcement, including the specific release time, through its designated communication channels. Early release allows non- essential personnel to leave work before the end of their regular shift to ensure their safety during emergencies or unusual circumstances.
Certain university offices may still need to remain operational, and some staff members, including second and third shift employees, may be required to stay on duty or report to work as directed by their supervisors. Second and third shift employees should confirm with their supervisors whether they are required to report to work.
Essential personnel are expected to remain on duty until they are relieved or notified by their supervisors that they may leave. Employees must use their judgment when deciding whether to travel between the university and home, based on local conditions. The university will make every effort to accommodate essential personnel who determine that travel is unsafe. This policy ensures employee safety while maintaining critical university operations during emergencies.
During Early Release campus is closed and in-person classes are canceled.
Localized and Temporary Closing
When working conditions in a particular building or location are intolerable, supervisors or employees in the affected unit(s) should discuss the problem with Campus Security or the supervisor of Facility Services. If the problem cannot be resolved, the supervisor may request permission of the appropriate Vice President to temporarily close the area or location. Temporary building closures may only be authorized by the Vice President for Finance and Administration or the Director of Safety and Security.
Cancellation of Campus Activities
In consultation with the Director of Safety and Security, the Provost or designee shall communicate cancellations of any campus activities through appropriate channels. Campus activities may remain on schedule during campus closure depending on the reason for the closure.
In consultation with the Director of Safety and Security, the Athletic Director or designee shall communicate cancellations of any athletic events and activities through appropriate channels. Athletic activities may remain on schedule during a campus closure depending on the reason for the closure.
Virtual Operations
In the event the University is closed for an extended period of time or under other special circumstances, it may transition to a virtual operating status to ensure that instructional activities continue without interruption, provided that internet access is widely available. Students should consult with their faculty members regarding expectations for completing coursework virtually. Employees will work remotely as directed by their supervisor, and essential personnel will report to campus. In-person classes scheduled to meet synchronously (at a set time each day) will still meet remotely during a virtual closure. During virtual operations, university offices will operate remotely. Supervisors must ensure that all employees are equipped and able to perform their duties remotely.
Decisions to Change the Operating Status of the University During an Emergency
Emergency decisions to close the University for reasons other than weather will be made by the Vice President for Finance and Administration and Director of Safety and Security in consultation with other University executives as needed.