Class Cancellations & Advisories

STARK CAMPUS ADVISORIES

No advisories at this time.

POSTING ADVISORIES

Kent State Stark will post delays, cancellations and closings in the following ways:

• Flash ALERTS text message and FlashLine email.
• Official Kent State Advisory website.
• Kent State Stark homepage at www.kent.edu/stark. A red bar containing an announcement will appear on the top of the page if there is a delay or closing.
• Kent State Stark Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
• Television and radio broadcasts. See list below.

FLASH ALERTS

DAILY INDIVIDUAL CLASS CANCELLATIONS

When an instructor cancels class as reported by the Dean's Office, the cancellation will be listed here. Every effort will be made to post class cancellations in a timely manner.

CANCELING STARK CAMPUS CLASSES

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, there are those rare occasions when weather conditions may delay or cancel classes, or close the Stark Campus. (Note: Kent State campuses will follow the general guidelines below, but each campus makes its own decisions based on weather conditions near their campuses.)

When snow and/or ice 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 and 3 p.m. for evening classes. In general, our decision will be guided by the condition of major roadways leading to campus, by the condition of campus roadways and sidewalks, and by our ability to clear our parking lots. For extreme cold, we will delay or cancel when the wind chill reaches (or is predicted to reach) -20 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. 

EXTREME COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
In the event that a Kent State Stark cancels classes due to inclement weather or other emergency, university policy specifies that:

• Morning classes begin before 12 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Afternoon classes begin after 12 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Evening classes begin after 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For example, if your class begins at 3:30 p.m. and evening classes are canceled, you are still expected to attend your 3:30 p.m. class.

Please keep in mind:

• For online or remote format classes: In the rare instances of a campus closure, all classes offered online or in remote formats will continue as usual.
• For in-person classes: In the event of a campus closure, in-person classes will not meet in person and may be canceled, but instructors teaching in person have the option to conduct a synchronous remote session or assign appropriate asynchronous work. 
  • Instructors should include a statement in their syllabus regarding expectations in the event of campus closure and inform students before the class is scheduled to begin on the day of the closure by email or BlackBoard/Canvas announcements about the expectations for their participation during the closure.
  • Students who are unsure about whether a class will meet synchronously or if there is an assignment should email their instructor.
  • Students in special classes, such as clinical rotations, should consult with their dean on the appropriate procedures for an early morning delay or cancellation.

Assessing Weather Conditions

Campus administration and staff continually monitor road conditions throughout the day and evening to determine if classes are to be canceled or delayed. Students are responsible for assessing their own situation to determine if it is too hazardous to travel to campus. Furthermore, it is the student’s responsibility to contact their professor if they are unable to attend class due to inclement weather. Students are expected to understand their individual professor’s policies regarding class attendance as indicated on the course syllabus.

• Read 2021-22 Winter Weather Advisory Information (pdf) from Melody Tankersley, Senior Vice President and Provost, and Mark M. Polatajko, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration (emailed on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2021).

MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Should it be necessary to cancel all classes for any reason, cancellations will be announced via local radio and television stations. Announcements of class cancellations and/or campus closings will be made on the following stations: