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Inclement Weather FAQ

Q. When will a decision be made to change class schedules or close the University?
A. If snow or ice develops overnight, a decision related class schedule changes should be announced before 6 a.m. If no announcement has been made by then, you can expect the University to open on time.

During the school day class schedule changes will be made when it is determined campus roads and parking lots or major highways are or will soon be too dangerous for students and employees to drive on at the end of regularly scheduled classes. A decision related to class schedule changes will be announced immediately once it has been made, and will be communicated with as much notice as changing conditions permit.

Q. The local media has reported the University is closed. What does the University is closed mean?
A. Local media schedule change services cannot make announcements fitting each University’s or local education system’s policies. Therefore closed is a general term used for weather related closings.

When University classes are cancelled and offices are closed the University is not actually closed. Dining services, facility services, security, student affairs are open to serve students and for the safety of those living on campus.

If the University was truly closed during a major emergency special announcements would be made informing the campus community not to come to campus.

Q. Why does the University close or change class schedules when streets within the city are clear?
A. King University students travel from across the region, making schedule change decisions related to weather very difficult. With this in mind schedule change decisions related to weather will be based on the location of the campus.

Q. Why doesn’t the University close or change class schedules when streets within rural areas are snow covered?
A. King University students travel from across the region, making schedule change decisions related to weather very difficult. With this in mind schedule change decisions related to weather will be based on the location of the campus.

Q. How do I find out that the University has changed class schedules?
A. Check out our web site at www.king.edu and other sources of closing information to look to in case of bad weather. The closing announcement will also be reported right on the home page. Call the King University Emergency Information line at 423.652.6446. Listen to the local news.

Q. How do I know my class will be held? Will my instructor be there?
A. If an instructor cannot get to campus because of bad weather, he or she must notify the responsible division. The faculty member or the division will try to contact students using their King University e-mail.

Q. If the local schools are closed, why isn’t the University?
A. Unlike public schools, King University does not operate a school bus system and uses different criteria to decide that it is appropriate to close. The University closes only when its own roads, parking lots, the main highways, or the roads immediately around the campuses are too dangerous to negotiate safely. Thus, the University will often be open when other local schools are closed.

Q. I take a King University class at a community college or a location operated by a community University. How do I know when my class schedule has changed?
A. If King University closes, classes at off-campus locations, such as community college, are also cancelled. If King University changes class schedules, all changes will be announced. If the University remains open but the community college where your class is held is closed or changes class schedules, that King University class only is cancelled or has an altered schedule for that day.

So, students should pay attention to community college schedule change information if they are taking classes at a community college. Remember day and night class schedule changes are announced separately. If day classes are cancelled it would not necessarily mean night classes are cancelled.

Q. I take all of my classes online. When announcement is made that all classes are cancelled, are my classes canceled also?
A. No, class changes due to weather do not change the schedule of online classes.

Q. Why were my classes not canceled, when other classes were?
A. When the weather makes one campus too dangerous to keep open, the University will make decisions based on individual campus locations. The University serves a large geographic area, and it can be quite safe to drive in one place, but not in another. Making individual campus announcements is important to reduce the number of classes that are rescheduled. The University believes class time is precious, and we should cancel classes only when it is necessary for student safety.

Q. What will happen if I do not attend class because I decide it is too dangerous for me to come?
A. We realize a general decision for the University cannot account for the individual circumstances of all students. Use your good judgment and be prompt in communicating your situation to your instructor.

Q. If my class starts before the late opening time, but continues afterward, should I come to campus?
A. When the University announces a delayed opening classes follow an alternate schedule that can be found at http://registrar.king.edu.

Q. Whom should I call to find out if the University is open?
A. Look at the King University web site. Listen to the local news. If you must call, call the King University Emergency Information Line at 423.652.6446. Messages will be posted there as soon as a decision to change class schedules is made. Please do not call University offices to ask about schedule changes.

Q. May I bring my child with me to class or work when the local schools are on a snow schedule or closed?

A. No. The University has no facilities to care for children, and children are often disruptive in the classroom or in the work place.