POLICY

It is the policy of Western Oregon University to remain open unless it is
determined that safety is compromised by adverse conditions or lack of
utility services.  In certain circumstances, essential facilities such as
the Library, University Center, University Residences, Valsetz Dining Hall, 
Computer Lab and the Old Physical Education will be open even though classes 
are canceled. 

If the campus remains open but faculty are unable to hold classes due to
their inability to travel to Monmouth, they will notify the office of their
division chair.  The deans' offices, will maintain a master list of canceled 
classes.  Information about this list of cancelled classes can be obtained 
by calling the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at 838-8226 or the 
College of Education at 838-8471. Generally a closure decision will be made 
by 5:30 a.m.

    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to inform university employees about how and 
when decisions will be made to open/close campus in the event severe 
weather conditions require a decision to close campus or delay classes or 
other operations.

DEFINITIONS

Essential Employee - Employees designated by position description to 
report to work in the event of campus closure to maintain minimum levels 
of service.  Essential employee names must be on file in the Human Resources
Office.

Campus Closed - Campus is closed for business and classes canceled.

Campus Open/Classes Canceled - Campus will remain open because 
conditions in Monmouth are minimally impacted by weather conditions 
while conditions in commuter areas are more severe.

Opening Delayed - Campus will be opened for business/classes after a 
brief delay.  This is generally when reports suggest that conditions will 
improve within a brief period of time.

    PROCEDURES

Notification of campus and/or class offerings will be by telephone 
recording, WOU Web page information and public announcement to the local 
news media.  Campus closure/cancellation information may be accessed by 
calling 838-8026 after 5:30 a.m. daily.

1. Generally a campus closure decision will be made by 5:30 a.m.
   daily.

2. Beginning at 4:15 a.m. the university administration will begin to 
   assess local and regional conditions with University Public Safety,
   Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation and local Polk 
   County road department to determine the following:

   a)  Open campus with classes open or canceled
   b)  Delay opening for a designated period
   c)  Close campus

3. The Public Relations & Communications director will be notified
   and will contact the following regional radio stations:  KBZY 1490 AM 
   and KYKN 1430 AM (Salem); KLOO 1340 AM and KFLY 1240 AM (Corvallis); 
   KLYC 1260 AM (McMinnville); KXL 750 AM, 95.5 FM and KINK 101.9 AM 
(Portland);
   KRKT 990 AM, 99.9 FM and KSHO 920 AM (Albany).  University employees are 
   requested to listen to one of these stations for updated information.

5. Physical Plant employees will begin de-icing, snow removal, etc., at 
   5:00 a.m. daily.

6. Because conditions will vary considerably within the region, each 
   employee must individually assess his/her unique situation and 
   determine if he/she can safely travel/report to work.  Employees not 
   reporting to work in accordance with their work schedule due to 
   inclement weather will report their absence according to the terms of
   the appropriate labor contract or Conditions of Employment.

Occasionally, the governor will declare an emergency and close all 
state offices immediately.  In this event, those employees who reported 
to work will be paid for the entire work day.  

7. If inclement weather affects scheduled events such as athletics, 
   theater, library hours, university center hours or related activities, 
   department heads may contact the university switchboard at 838-8000 
   and the Office of Public Relations at 838-8208.  The campus information   
recording will be updated to reflect cancellation, 
   delays, etc.., (E-mail and audix system may also be used), and the 
   appropriate media will be notified.

8. The Campus Safety office is open 24 hours.  If you have an 
   emergency, or need additional information or assistance, you may contact
   them at 838-8000.

    AUTHORITY

DAS Policy 60.015.01; OUS; University President; ORS 240.145(3), 240.551.

    APPROVAL

It is the responsibility of each employee to call the university information 
recording (503-838-8026) or listen to one of the radio stations outlined
above, to receive closure or opening information.  Because conditions may 
vary considerably within the region, each employee must assess his or her 
unique situation and determine travel safety from their location to 
campus.