Title
Adams School of Dentistry: Standard on Inclement Weather for Students, Staff, and Faculty
Introduction
Purpose
This Standard describes how Adams School of Dentistry (ASOD) students, staff, and faculty should respond in the event of inclement weather.
Scope of Applicability
This Standard applies to all ASOD students, staff, and faculty.
Standard
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ("University" or "UNC-Chapel Hill") follows the UNC System Office's Adverse Weather and Emergency Events Policy during severe weather and when considering key factors in deciding whether to reduce or suspend operations due to safety concerns. The University's "Adverse Weather & Emergency Closing" information page states that "the safety of our students, faculty and staff is our number one priority in making any weather-related decision about campus operations, and "as a general rule, individual students, faculty and staff, many of whom commute to Chapel Hill from a multi-county area, must use their own best judgment about whether they can travel safely to and from campus given local conditions."
Unless the Chancellor or their designee closes the University, you should assume that UNC-Chapel Hill is open. In the event of adverse weather conditions, the University's policies and procedures are the main guide for the ASOD. Please refer to the University's "Alert Carolina" website or local media sources if you have any question about the University's operating status.
Specific to the Adams School of Dentistry
How the Adams School of Dentistry Decides To Open or Close In the Event of Inclement Weather
Who is involved in making a decision?
The academic dean, clinic dean, Dental Faculty Practice director, and communications director or their designees in consultation with the dean.
When does that group make a decision?
Ideally, the day before a weather event is anticipated. Otherwise, after checking the University's "Alert Carolina" website and local media for information on the morning of the event (preferably by 5:30 AM).
What factors does the group consider before making a decision?
Decisions whether to open, delay, or cancel clinics depend on the ability of patients and staff to arrive safely. Decisions regarding didactic classes should follow University guidance, with an additional option for ADE classes.
What does the ASOD do if the University cancels classes?
- All DDS and DH classes are cancelled. However, remote options can be considered with approval of the Executive Vice Dean for Education (DDS) or Dental Hygiene program director.
- All ADE resident classes are cancelled, unless a course director chooses to provide didactic classes via remote instruction, in which case course directors should notify ADE residents of their plan directly.
- Considerations for not providing didactic classes via remote instruction during adverse weather include equitable access to power, internet, childcare, etc.
- Because the ASOD operates not only as a school but as a healthcare facility, clinics could remain open if classes are cancelled. Safety of patients, faculty, staff, and students would be considered in this decision. Decisions made by UNC Health for its operations could provide some guidance.
How does that group communicate their decision to the ASOD students, staff, and faculty?
An announcement will be placed prominently on the ASOD website, the Carolina Dentistry website, and school and clinical social media accounts. An Epic blast will be sent to patients, and appropriate local news sources will be contacted. The academic dean will send an announcement to all students (DDS, ADE, DH). The communications director will contact local media.
An internal list of cell phone numbers for the appropriate contacts will be maintained and reviewed for updates at the beginning of each winter season.
Related Requirements
External Regulations and Consequences
Contact Information
Policy Contact
- Name: Dr. Ed Swift
- Email: edward_swift@unc.edu
- Phone: 919-918-1259
Other Contact