Unit Standard
Title
School of Nursing: Standard On Inclement Weather For Students
Introduction
Purpose
To be evaluated at next review.
Scope
To be evaluated at next review.
Standard
In the event of adverse weather conditions, the policies and procedures of the University are the main guide for the School of Nursing. Unless closed by the Chancellor or his designee, the University is always open. Information about the University's operating status may be obtained by:
If the University is open, class, lab and clinical schedules will be followed to the extent possible. Individual faculty and students are in the best position to determine whether they can travel safely to campus or a clinical site. Individual judgments about personal circumstances must be made so that no one jeopardizes their safety and health.
If the University is officially open, but a faculty member is not able to travel due to adverse weather and must cancel a scheduled class or clinical, the faculty member should notify the School of Nursing and students. If Blackboard is used in the course, and the faculty member has access to Blackboard from home, a notice should be placed there as soon as possible. If the faculty member has access to email at home, a notice should be posted to the appropriate student listserv. In addition, the Office of Admissions and Student Services (919 966-4260) and the Office of Academic Affairs (919 966-7511) should be notified of the cancellation. Finally, faculty are encouraged to place a message on their office voice mail about cancellations.
If class or clinical is canceled, essential learning experiences still need to be met. Faculty may do this in a variety of ways such as adding small blocks of time to future classes or developing alternate guided student learning activities. Make-up sessions should not be planned for weekends, holidays or in conflict with other classes and clinical assignments. Students should check course syllabi for any specific requirements related to adverse weather.
If class or clinical is held on an adverse weather day and all students are not able to attend, faculty will provide make-up opportunities for any activities including exams that might jeopardize students' progression in the course. If assignments are due, extensions will be given until either the University is open or all students are able to make it to campus.
UNC Hospitals welcomes student volunteers during periods of inclement weather. Volunteers who wish to help should go to their clinical experience areas. Those who do not have an assigned area should report to the Nursing Office (6th floor Patient Support tower, Anderson Pavilion). Uniform and lab coat with nametag will be acceptable attire. The indicator of a need for help is any time the public schools are closed. In periods of severe weather, the Hospitals may provide transportation to staff and volunteers (call 966-2095 for information).
Exceptions
N/A
Contact Information
Policy Contact
Kacy McAdoo, Assistant Dean School of Nursing
Other Contacts
N/A
Important Dates
- Effective Date and title of Approver: 6/25/2003 approved by the Administrative Council