We have had a smooth start to December weather, but according to forecasters, snow is on the way. So, it seems like a good time to refresh the annual message on how we decide to close MCC for a weather emergency and how we will communicate this decision.
Because we are a community college, our decision tree differs from that used at a residential college, like SUNY Brockport or RIT or Nazareth. Some key demographic characteristics of our students that distinguish them from their four-year college and university peers:
· They commute. About 40% of our students use public transportation; the remainder drive or rideshare.
· They often have primary care-taking duties for children, grandchildren and/or siblings.
· They usually don't have the social or financial capital to make alternate arrangements for child care or transportation.
· They often live in places more immediately impacted by power outages and may also see delays in plowing and/or restoration of services.
Whenever possible, MCC’s commitment is to advise the College community by 11:00 pm if we will be closed the next day and to make a call on closure during the day as soon as possible to allow travel home. There is always the chance that a storm suddenly worsens overnight, causing us to make a late call to close, so if you have any doubt, check local news sources, the MCC web site and social media channels, or look for an MCC Alert message.
I have learned through the years—in hurricanes, storms, ice, and snow—that the decision to close the College (or keep it open) will disappoint someone. While the final call on closing the College is mine (that buck stops here), it is not made in isolation. I consult with the leadership team and have the input of Public Safety and Facilities. What information is important? Some of the questions we consider include the following:
· Has the County or State declared a state of emergency? Does it include travel restrictions?
· Is travel likely to be hazardous regardless of restrictions? What is the condition of the main routes to the campus/es? Would it be better to delay opening than close outright?
· Are the parking lots and campus roads cleared? Can we keep them cleared?
· Will public transportation be running? If so, for how long? Are busses running late? If so, by how much time?
· Are there power outages impacting MCC? Our students and faculty? What can emergency management share about the time to restoration? Has the College experienced facilities damage?
· Have the public schools closed? All or just a handful?
· Will we have a sufficient window to empty the campus before a weather event or is it better to shelter in place? Will students/faculty/staff have sufficient time to make alternate arrangements for family responsibilities if the college stays open or reopens?
· Will we have enough people—employees and students—who can make it through the weather and be at the College to justify staying open or reopening?
· How stressful is this situation for our students, faculty and staff?
Each winter, we always hope for just enough snow to make things lovely but not enough to have to consider closing MCC. However, if we do, you now have a better understanding of what will drive our decision-making.
What are your thoughts on weather emergencies and college closing? Share them on the blog.
Anne M. Kress
Office of the President
12/07/2016 |