Inclement Weather Procedure – Coppin State University 2020-2021

The following information covers the procedure governing university closings and delays during inclement weather.

It is the goal of Coppin State University to remain open and hold classes as scheduled.

However, in the interest of safety, the Vice President for Administration and Finance will contact the AVP of Facilities and, where appropriate, the CSU Police Department, to determine if the campus can be opened and operated safely for faculty, students, and staff. After this consultation, the VPAF will contact the Provost and, together, they will contact the President via phone to relay the information and make a recommendation. The President will make the final decision to close the campus, delay opening, or close early due to poor weather conditions.

Individual schools, colleges, and departments are not authorized to make their own decisions regarding closings, delayed openings, or cancellation of classes. Administrative offices may remain open although classes are cancelled.

Notifications

The Vice President for Administration and Finance will notify the Director of Communications (by phone), the AVP of Facilities, Chief of the University Police Department (by phone or text) and the Network Specialist in ITD of the decision.

As soon as a decision is made, the following steps are taken to notify the university community:

• A recorded message from ITD will be available at (410) 951-3000
• The Director of Communications will ensure closing announcements are communicated through Blackboard Connect, Coppin State Univertisy's Twitter feed, Coppin State University's Facebook page, and posted on CSU’s web site

Additionally, the Director of Communications will contact the news media by 5:30 a.m. if day classes must be cancelled. If it becomes necessary to cancel evening classes or events, the Director of Communications will contact the news media by 3:30 p.m.

“University is Closed” only essential employees are scheduled to report to work (non-essential personnel will be granted administrative leave)

"Day classes are cancelled.” Offices are open (evening classes will continue unless specified in the announcement). All non-faculty staff are expected to report to work at their regularly scheduled start time (or use annual leave).

"School will open at ______.” Faculty, staff, and students are expected to report by the time indicated in the announcement.

Essential Employees: Each Vice President should maintain his/her own list of essential personnel and is responsible for the individuals knowing they are considered essential for the purposes of this policy.

Radio and Television Stations to be used for media announcements

Baltimore Metro Area:

• WMAR-TV (Channel 2)
• WBAL-TV (Channel 11)
• WBFF-TV (Channel 45)
• WJZ-TV (Channel 13)

Washington D.C. Metro Area:

• WTOP Radio (1500 AM)
• WJLA-TV (Channel 7)
• WRC-TV (Channel 4)

On-line Print Media

• Baltimore Sun
• Washington Post
• Afro News