Inclement weather information for winter 2022-2023

Manchester University’s policy is to maintain normal operations whenever possible.  There may be times, however, when adverse weather conditions cause delays, canceled classes or other schedule modifications.

Please keep this information handy throughout the winter and sign up for the MU Alerts system if you have not already. Signing up is quick and easy and will keep you informed of any emergency at Manchester, such as storm warnings, power outages, etc.

The inclusion of remote learning opportunities changes the impact of adverse weather on students and faculty. We delineate expectations below.

For adverse winter weather:
 
1) In-Person classes: If classes are delayed, classes before the time indicated will be canceled. For example, a two-hour delay is defined as cancellation of any class, laboratory, event or meeting that is scheduled to begin before 10 a.m.  Therefore, if you had biology at 8 a.m., math at 9:30 a.m. and philosophy at 10 a.m., your biology and math classes would be canceled but you would go to your philosophy class at 10 a.m. If you have a lab that starts at 10:30 a.m., you would go to your lab.   This does not mean that your 8 a.m. class would now be at 10 a.m. etc. 

Faculty may provide online alternatives for students if in-person classes are delayed.  Please watch for emails from your faculty with instructions for alternate course work if classes are delayed or canceled. Any course update emails/messages should arrive by the time the course would normally begin. 

2) Online and Hybrid classes will follow their normal schedule regardless of any in-person delays. 

3) Non-class events:  when classes are canceled or delayed co-curricular events for that time period are canceled. The campus will remain open for essential student services.
 
Employees in positions deemed “essential” must always report to work unless conditions are too hazardous (for example, the roads are closed).  Please ask your supervisor or department chair if your position is considered “essential” for purposes of keeping the campus functional in the event of serious adverse weather.
 
Severe weather will likely affect driving conditions. Because driving skills, vehicle capabilities and travel routes vary significantly, each employee will have to assess the risks of traveling under adverse conditions, exercise his/her personal judgment, and determine whether it is safe or prudent to travel to work. Commuter students should also use their best judgement about safe driving conditions.  If you are not able to travel to campus, alert all your faculty as soon as possible.
 
Decisions related to on-campus classes and activities will be made no later than 6 a.m., and all North Manchester faculty, staff and students will be notified of any cancellations or schedule delays through the following process:
 
1) The North Manchester inclement weather phone line, 260-982-5686, will be updated no later than 6 a.m.
2) A notice will be sent to all North Manchester faculty, staff and students who are signed up for MU Alerts.
3) A campus-wide email will be sent to all North Manchester faculty, staff and students.
4) Notifications also will be posted on the MU home page and MU Today and MU Twitter and Facebook. 
 
Announcements will not be posted though TV and radio outlets.
 
The best and most reliable method to determine whether classes on the North Manchester campus have been delayed or canceled is to call the inclement weather phone line after 6 a.m.

November 2022