Know before it snows

Emergency Closing Policy Q & A

Snow happens. Ditto for the occasional tropical storm, broken water main and other events that disrupt normal campus operations. So take a few minutes to reacquaint yourself with TU's emergency closing policy. You'lll be glad you knew what to expect when the unexpected arises.  

Q. Who decides to close the campus or to cancel or delay classes?

A. If an emergency occurs overnight, TU's

senior vice president and CFO reaches a

decision by 6 a.m. University Relations then notifies the media, sends a campuswide e-mail announcement, records announcements on TU's 410-704-2000 and 410-704-NEWS lines, and posts the news on the TU homepage.

Q. Does TU ever issue announcements that the campus is open?

A.  No. Announcements are issued only when normal operations must be disrupted or suspended.

If you don't hear an announcement, it's safe to assume the campus is open.   

Q. What happens if the emergency occurs during the day?

A. A decision is made by 1 p.m. and the media are notified immediately. University Relations then sends

a campuswide e-mail and posts the news on the TU homepage.  

Q. What is the difference between liberal leave and administrative leave?

A. Liberal Leave: authorization for staff members to use earned leave for lateness or absence because

of an emergency. Administrative Leave: granted to staff members only when TU is closed. Liberal Leave

and Administrative Leave do not apply to students.

Q. Should some employees report to work when TU is closed?

A. Emergency essential personnel should report to work. Talk to your supervisor to see if this policy affects you.

Q. What if I'm not an essential employee, but come to work anyway?

A. TU cannot be held liable for any injuries you sustain if you come to work or remain at work after the campus

has been closed.    

Q. Which radio and TV stations will air emergency closing-related news?

A. In the Baltimore area: WBAL Radio 11 (1090 AM); WCAO/WXYV (600AM/103 FM); WLIF (101.9 FM); WBAL-TV (11), WJZ-TV (13) and WMAR-TV (2). In the Washington, D.C., area: WTOP (1500 AM/107.7 FM), WMZQ (98.7 FM) and WRC-TV (4). These are the stations that TU notifies directly; others may obtain the news shortly after TU notifies the Associated Press wire service.  

Q. Is there a telephone number I can call for the latest information?

A. Call 410-704-2000 or 410-704-NEWS for recorded updates. Do not call the TU Police Department.

Q. Will scheduled events take place if TU is closed?

A. No. All events, regardless of sponsor, are canceled.     

Q. Will TU issue announcements about individual department or program activities?

A. No. Departments should set up their own systems of communication, e.g., recorded announcements, e-mail,

telephone calls, etc.

Faculty and staff members are encouraged to print and review the full text of TU's 2004-2005 Emergency Closing Policy on the university's Web site: www.towson.edu/tu/ur/inclement.html .

Story by Jan Lucas/Photo by Kanji Takeno

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