Ashtabula Campus Class Cancellations & Advisories

While the safety of our people is our priority, in general, the university does not close or cancel classes because of cold weather, winter ice and/or snow. However, on rare occasions, weather conditions may delay or cancel classes, or close campus. (Note: Kent State’s campuses will all follow the general guidelines below, but each campus makes its own decisions based on weather conditions.)

When inclement weather threatens or extreme cold prevails, we expect to announce our actions by: 

• 5:30 a.m. for morning and all-day cancellations.
• 10 a.m. for afternoon classes. 
• 3 p.m. for evening classes. 

In general, our decision will be guided by the condition of major roadways, campus roadways and sidewalks, and by our ability to plow our parking lots. For extreme cold, we typically will delay or cancel when the wind chill reaches (or is predicted to reach) -15 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. 

Class Impact

• Classes taught in person will not be held in person on campus. However:
  • Instructors teaching in-person courses may consider conducting a synchronous remote session—and recording those sessions to make them available for students not able to connect—and/or assigning appropriate asynchronous work. 
  • Instructors should inform students before the class is scheduled to begin on the day of the cancellation by email or Canvas about the expectations for their participation during the cancellation.  
  • Students should check email and Canvas prior to a scheduled in-person class to watch for special instructor expectations.
• Classes offered through online formats will continue as usual. 
• Students in special classes, such as clinical rotations, should consult with their program director or clinical director on the appropriate procedures for an early morning delay or cancellation.
• Students should always use sound personal judgment regarding the safety of their travel when deciding whether or not to report to classes. 
  • Students must arrange to make up missed work promptly.

Campus Services, Employee Expectations 

The following reminders provide additional guidance for students, faculty and staff when campus-wide class cancellations are in effect:

• When classes are canceled but campus is not closed, university services remain open. This means that staff members are expected to report to work as usual.
• Employees should always use sound personal judgment regarding the safety of their travel when deciding whether or not to report to work. 
  • University leave policy governs the reporting and recording of work absences.
• A closing order from the Governor’s Office applies to state office buildings and other state employees in the field.  Colleges and universities do not fall into this category. 
• We understand that on bad  weather  days some areas on campus may require additional attention. Please help identify those areas by contacting the main office at 440-964-4217.
   

Additional Information

The following reminders provide additional guidance for students, faculty and staff when campus-wide class cancellations are in effect:

• A closing order from the Governor’s Office applies to state office buildings and other state employees in the field.  Colleges and universities do not fall into this category. 
• We understand that on bad  weather  days some areas on campus may require additional attention. Please help identify those areas by contacting the main office at 440-964-4217.

Class Impact

• Classes taught in person will not be held in person on campus. However:
  • Instructors teaching in-person courses may consider conducting a synchronous remote session—and recording those sessions to make them available for students not able to connect—and/or assigning appropriate asynchronous work. 
  • Instructors should inform students before the class is scheduled to begin on the day of the closure by email or Canvas about the expectations for their participation during the closure.  
  • Students should check email and Canvas prior to a scheduled in-person class to watch for special instructor expectations.
• Classes offered through online formats will continue as usual.
• Students in special classes, such as clinical rotations, should consult with their program director or clinical director on the appropriate procedures for an early morning delay or cancellation.
• Students should always use sound personal judgment regarding the safety of their travel when deciding whether or not to report to work or classes. 
  • Students must arrange to make up missed work promptly.

Campus Services and Employee Expectations

The following reminders provide additional guidance for students, faculty and staff when campus-wide class cancellations or campus closures are in effect:

• Only essential employees report to work. 
  • Facilities Planning and Operations staff are considered essential personnel and are expected to report to work. This includes University Facilities Management, Buildings and Grounds and Maintenance. 
  • Access time reporting information during delays and closures.
• Nonessential staff are not required to report to campus or work remotely during a campus closure, regardless of telecommuting arrangement. However, staff must check with their supervisors to determine their team’s work plan, as some operations, deadlines and urgent items may require that nonessential staff still work during a closure. These instances are to be handled on a case-by-case basis between supervisor and employee.

There are several ways to learn about delays, class cancellations or campus closings. Kent State Ashtabula will notify of these in the following ways:

• Flash ALERTS. Find out how to set your campus preferences.
• An email to your @kent.edu account.
• Official Kent State Advisory website.
• Kent State Ashtabula homepage at www.kent.edu/ashtabula. A red bar containing an announcement will appear on the top of the homepage if there is a cancellation or closing.
• Kent State Ashtabula Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.
• Ashtabula, Cleveland and Erie media outlets.