Bear’s Growl: Snow policy
0By Matthew Logan
The University of Pikeville is known for its stringent attendance policies. It’s rare that class is ever canceled for any reason. Most students live on campus, and generally, professors and commuters live just a few miles away. It is because of this that the university doesn’t particularly have a snow day policy. This was relevant during the massive snow storms and flooding the campus received last month and early this month.
Compared to other campuses in the state, UPIKE’s policies on inclement weather are below average. For many students, news of delays or cancellations come long after they have already made the trek to the campus. For others, they have to check their emails or the school website. Other universities in the state have policies in motion the moment severe weather hits. For example, the University of Kentucky operates on the “Plan B” schedule if weather disrupts school. Under such a plan, operating units that are essential such as Kentucky Clinics, residence halls, dining facilities, and UK Police Departments must remain open due to the nature of their services. Eastern Kentucky University will normally operate on an hour delay system due to weather, giving workers time to clear roads and salt walkways. Alice Lloyd College has a manual with emergency response information and what to do during the inclement weather scenario.
The University of Pikeville would benefit from surrounding colleges’ ideas. Installing a policy or plan specifically for inclement weather would be a tremendous help to students and faculty alike.