Cancellation of Classes
How and when is the decision made to cancel or delay the start of day classes and work? As a general policy the University makes every effort to keep classes and offices open, no matter what the weather conditions.
On questionable days, the decision is based upon consultation with key staff members and reports from weather bureaus, the Maine Dept. of Transportation, the Maine State Police, and physical plant personnel who have traveled to work during the early morning hours. Classes and work are cancelled only when extreme weather conditions exist over a broad area of the region.
If day classes or work are to be delayed or canceled, the President will make that final determination by 6:00 a.m. That information will be available by 6:15 a.m. in three ways.
1. A recorded message will be available at UMM's information extension at 255-1395.
2. A notice will be posted on UMM's Web site at http://:www.machias.edu/weather/.
3. The following radio and television stations will be contacted:
WLBZ TV Channel 2 WEZQ 92.9 WFZX 101.7 FM
WABI TV Channel 5 WKSQ 94.5 FM WGUY 102.1 FM
WVII TV Channel 7 WALZ 95.3 FM WCRQ 102.9 FM
WABI 910 AM WWMJ 95.7 FM WBOM 103.9 FM
WDEA 1370 AM WWBX 97.1 FM WBSB 104.7 FM
WERU 89.9 FM WFNX 97.7 FM WQCB 106.5 FM
WQDY 92.7 FM WLKE 99.1 FM WBZN 107 FM
A decision to cancel evening classes will typically be made by 1:00 p.m. This information is made available in the same three ways as for day classes or work.
What happens if classes or work are delayed, but not canceled? The announcement will state the time at which classes and work will begin, and our normal schedule will be followed for the rest of that day. For example, if the University doesn't open until 10:00 on a Monday, neither 8:00 nor 9:00 classes will meet on that day. A delayed opening does not mean that classes scheduled for earlier that morning are simply postponed until later in the day; instead, those classes are canceled.
What about days when UMM operates on a normal schedule despite inclement weather conditions? Students, faculty, and staff must use their own judgment as to whether inclement weather conditions prevent them from attending classes or work. You should not knowingly jeopardize their safety to travel on dangerous and unsafe roads or to travel when the state police advise against it. Conversely, you should not use the weather as an excuse to avoid travel to the University when actual weather and road conditions do not prevent safe travel.
If the University is open and a faculty or staff member is unable to attend work because of inclement weather, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor or division chair to cover the vacancy. Supervisors and division chairs should plan for this coverage in advance.
