Generally, Shepherd University does not cancel operations because of inclement weather. The University has various operational considerations to consider. If severe weather conditions render it dangerous for commuter students to reach the University, those who fail to travel to campus on that particular day will not be put at a serious disadvantage. Individual students who have encountered severe travel conditions should notify their instructors of their absence prior to the next class meeting and should request appropriate arrangements for the makeup of coursework.
Employees encountering dangerous travel conditions should notify their supervisors of their absence and discuss work conditions, leave time, or special needs.
All employees designated as emergency personnel (via a memo from their supervisors) will be required to report at their regular work times regardless of weather conditions, unless otherwise directed by their unit supervisors.
Should an extreme weather emergency or power or water failure warrant the closing of offices and/or canceling or altering the schedule of classes and events, then public notification will be made via the Shepherd website (www.shepherd.edu), switchboard (304-876-5000), Rave text-messaging system (students, faculty, and staff can sign up at https://www.shepherd.edu/rave-alert/), and area media.
Announcements of emergency plans will be communicated by 6 a.m. when the emergency condition precedes the start of the work and/or instructional day. When classes are in session during the fall or spring semester, delays occurring on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays will occur on the hour. Tuesday and Thursday delays will follow class times.
When emergency conditions arise during the day, the announcement will be communicated through the heads of those units that may be affected. Announcements concerning evening classes will be communicated by 2 p.m.
Announcements for weekend classes and events beginning before 4 p.m. will be communicated by 7 a.m.
For weekend events beginning after 4 p.m. announcements will be communicated by 2 p.m.
In some cases, where weather patterns are changing, we will post a delayed opening announcement. In these instances, please watch for further announcements.
When campus is officially closed, all in-person learning activities are cancelled. For all forms of instruction, the University trusts faculty to use their judgement on how to adjust and meet their course learning objectives when a campus closure is announced.
Online asynchronous (OLA) classes will continue as will any scheduled asynchronous aspects to OLS, HYS, HYA, and HYF courses as specifically outlined as such on the course syllabus.
For all forms of instruction, faculty should be prepared to extend deadlines for assignments and/or exam submissions in case students experience power outages related to weather events or rely on university-held technology to complete tasks.
Clinical experiences, field placements, internships, and other experiential learning activities will follow the policies identified for each experience as it relates to their academic program and the policy of the clinical site.
Students and faculty who have questions or concerns should contact the academic program department chair/school directly.
Please note: Shepherd announces delays and closings only. If you do not receive a Rave alert and cannot find an announcement on the Shepherd University website, the University is open and operating on its regular schedule.