NP 1.11 Inclement Weather Procedures

The State of Colorado experiences severe weather conditions throughout the year.  Because we have students living on campus that require daily services, NJC will continue to operate during these times.  However, extreme weather conditions may require the closure of NJC’s campus for a short period of time (delayed opening), or the entire day.  In these extraordinary circumstances the NJC President has the authority to make reasonable decisions about such closures. 

Our students and employees live in a widely dispersed area, and Colorado weather can change radically over short distances.   Therefore, no single procedure will adequately cover all circumstances.  The guiding principle for inclement weather decisions is the health and safety of our people, but we recognize that some can safely work on campus during inclement weather and are permitted to do so. 

Procedure:

All employees of NJC are expected to work pursuant to assigned schedules regardless of weather conditions, subject to the following provisions. 

1. The President, or designee in the absence of the President, will determine the existence of conditions that warrant campus closure.  The President will consider existing conditions, forecast conditions, road conditions as reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation, advice from Logan County Emergency Management Office, and information from other organizations as appropriate for the situation.
2. For the safety and security of the students living on campus, some essential personal will be required to report to work even when the campus is closed.   Essential personnel perform the services necessary for the health and welfare of our students and infrastructure.   Examples include facilities/plant; food service; and housing services.  Those workers considered essential are typically identified as such on their position description.   However, the unique nature of a campus closure may require some personnel not identified as essential to respond to campus closure situations or rare occasions.   An example might include a director supporting the movement of critical training equipment to a new location. 
3. Non-essential employees will be granted administrative leave when NJC has been closed or placed on a delayed start for the period of their schedule that occurs during the closure. 
4. NJC employees who are already on approved leave when the NJC President closes the campus may not substitute administrative leave for the period of the closure. 
5. NJC employees who are on an approved remote work plan who are working outside of the campus during a closure will not receive administrative leave and will continue to work remotely during the closure.
6. On-campus classes may be held at the discretion of the faculty member.  Many students living on campus may be able to safely attend classes during inclement weather, preserving our ability to provide educational outcomes.  However, no student will be penalized for not attending an on-campus class during an inclement weather closure and faculty should provide alternatives for those who cannot attend the class. Faculty may also conduct courses virtually during a closure.  
7. In the event of adverse weather conditions in the region, but when NJC remains open, the following conditions apply: 
   1. Employees who are not able to reach the office as scheduled, either for the entire day or who arrive late to work, may work with their supervisor to determine if an alternate arrangement in schedule or work location can be made. The decision rests with the supervisor, in their discretion, based on appropriateness of the request and business need. 
   2. Employees affected by emergency road closures made by the State, county or municipal governments or by the Colorado State Patrol may be granted administrative leave if they are unable to reach the office.   
   3. Employees who choose not to come to the office during their regularly scheduled time, and are not able to fulfill their responsibilities remotely with their supervisor’s approval, will be required to use annual leave for their time out of the office.

Notification:

Information regarding the status of NJC operations during inclement weather will be made available to all employees through the following methods:

• Notification will be posted on the NJC website;
• Notification will be provided to the local news media; and
• Notification will be sent to all employees utilizing the emergency notification system.