Decisions to cancel classes or partially close the university are made after consultations with officials from the Department of Transportation, city of Ames, Cy-Ride, road maintenance staff and various law enforcement agencies. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to determine if travel to class or the office is appropriate and safe. Individuals' circumstances vary, depending on how far they have to travel, their physical condition, the condition of their vehicles, even how well equipped they are with winter clothing. We urge faculty to accommodate students who are unable to attend class during severe weather. We also ask that supervisors make similar accommodations for their staffs.
Safety is our first concern, but a strong second is to provide students with a good education.
Each canceled class is a lost educational opportunity. If we feel most students, faculty and staff can get to campus safely, we are likely to remain in session, counting on others to make good judgments about whether they ought to travel. Those in doubt about their work status should check with their supervisors. Other staff should use comp time, vacation time or leave without pay, or arrange with their supervisors to make up lost time, pursuant to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement or the policies outlined in the Office Procedure Guide.