In January 2021, the University implemented some changes to this policy as it relates to weather-related campus closures and the cancellation of classes, as face-to-face classes now have the ability to pivot to an online format and most employees have the ability to work from home when needed.
Instead of cancelling face-to-face classes due to inclement weather, class activities will move online via the Canvas LMS and Zoom platforms, when possible. Students should check their Canvas LMS course shells and e-mail for instructions from their instructors about plans for their classes. Additionally, staff are expected to work from home in most instances. Essential employees (those who are required to report even if the campus is closed) should check with their supervisors regarding any adjustments to work schedules.
For residential students on the Parkville Campus — the campus will remain open, but buildings/offices may not be accessible and dining service hours could be altered.
If inclement weather makes driving to a campus potentially dangerous, the University will continue its policy of notifying students and employees by 6 a.m. for daytime classes/operations and by 4 p.m. for evening classes/operations.
As a reminder, students and employees should use their own judgement regarding travel to their campus during inclement weather. It is imperative that you discuss your situation with your instructor or supervisor to determine your options in the event you cannot attend class in-person or work from your office if a closure is not warranted.
Sign up for ParkAlert to receive Park University text alerts (for urgent University-related updates and/or weather-related messages). Visit park.edu/about-park/campus-safety/park-alerts for more information and to register. If you are already registered, it is suggested that you verify your information and options by signing in to your account at park.omnilert.net/subscriber.php.
Purpose
To delineate responsibility for decisions concerning canceling classes and curtailing services in the event of snow/inclement weather, and to outline guidelines for communication and staffing over heavy snowfall/inclement weather days.
Policy
Park University will remain open during snowstorms/inclement weather, but may cancel or reschedule classes and/or curtail non-essential services in response to the conditions. Since the University has a national presence, under these conditions the University can make alternative arrangements to serve students nationwide by relocating designated offices to the University’s underground facilities on the Parkville Campus.
Procedure Summary
The University remains open during extreme snow conditions/inclement weather, since there is continuing activity to service other campus centers and online students which requires some employees to work. If the University remains open for business, employees may use their discretion whether to attempt to come to work or to leave work early because of bad weather conditions. Employees who decide not to come into work or decide to leave early because of inclement weather must notify their supervisor in advance, and may choose to take a vacation day or take the day without pay. Certain extreme weather conditions may dictate the cancellation of classes (both day and evening). In this situation, the decision will be made by the University’s president or his/her delegate.
The decision will be communicated via cell phone text alerts, e-mail alerts, the University’s website, MyPark, social media and area media outlets by the University’s Office of Strategic Communications.
Detailed Procedures
When a decision to cancel classes or move classes to a virtual format is determined by University senior administrative staff, it will be announced as early as possible using the following guidelines:
• Day Classes — Announcement by 6 a.m.
• Evening Classes — Announcement by 4 p.m.
There are several ways that Park University will notify Kansas City-area students, faculty and staff of a school closing:
• Cell phone text alerts (If you haven’t registered your cell phone to receive official Park University text alerts, or if you need to update your account, visit www.park.edu/park-alert/)
• E-mail alerts
• Park University’s website home page (www.park.edu)
• MyPark (https://my.park.edu/ics/)
• Social media, via Twitter (https://twitter.com/parkuniversity) and/or Facebook (www.facebook.com/parkuniversity)
• Kansas City-area media outlets:
Television
o WDAF — www.fox4kc.com
o KCTV — www.kctv5.com
o KMBC — www.kmbc.com
o KSHB — www.kshb.com
Radio
o KMBZ (980 AM / 98.1 FM) — www.kmbz.com
o KCUR (89.3 FM) — https://kcur.org
o KCMO (710 AM) — www.710kcmo.com
Newspaper
o The Kansas City Star — www.kansascity.com
IMPORTANT: Please listen/read carefully for your specific campus center location — Parkville or Independence, Mo. It’s possible one campus center in the area could be closed while the other remains open. While we realize that you may have a favorite TV or radio station that you watch or listen to regularly, or a newspaper website that you read often, all of the above media outlets typically provide school closing announcements (for TV stations, please check with your cable provider for the specific channel listing).
In addition, there may be times that administrative offices will remain open and staff will need to report to work/not be dismissed (this includes “essential personnel)— even if classes are cancelled. Please listen carefully and/or read the message provided on the various formats to determine if you should report to work, and/or contact your direct supervisor if you have questions.
Updated: November 13, 2024