February 1, 2022
Dear Students and Colleagues:
The National Weather Service has placed Delaware County under a winter storm warning until Friday morning and has forecasted accumulations of as much as 7-12 inches of snow in Muncie. Given those circumstances, we want to take this opportunity to provide some clarity on process and expectations for both students and employees.
Most importantly, always assume Ball State is open for regularly scheduled classes and business unless there has been a notice of changes. Should changes be made, the University will notify the entire campus community through the following channels:
- bsu.edu: The University website is the official source for information about campus closures. It is updated as soon as new information becomes available.
- Emergency text messaging: Subscribe now.
- Twitter @ballstate_alert
- Email to Ball State accounts
- Local media: The Star Press, IPR, WBST-FM 92.1, WLBC-FM 104.1, and other radio stations
- Indianapolis TV stations (Note: The amount of information that can be publicized on TV stations is extremely limited.)
*The best place to get complete information is via University-controlled media such as text messages, @ballstate_alert, email, and bsu.edu.
For Students
Students should anticipate participating in all classes this week. If weather conditions warrant, there is a possibility classes will be shifted from in-person to online modalities. Given our experience as a result of the pandemic, our University’s ability to convert to online learning remains. Specific details on a per-course basis will be communicated to you by your instructor through Canvas and/or email.
Preemptively, students are reminded to review course syllabi for instructions and policies.
For Employees
The assumed status of campus is open, unless otherwise announced. When open, all employees are expected to work. Decisions around nonessential employees working remotely or other accommodations due to inclement weather should be made in consultation with your direct supervisor.
Since remote workers are not impacted by inclement weather, they are expected to work as normal. Non-essential employees unable to work remotely will receive closure pay.
In the event of a physical campus closure, nonessential personnel do not report to work. Essential personnel must report, as scheduled by their supervisor, even if the campus is closed. Your supervisor is the best source for understanding your role and duties as essential personnel.
Prepare and Stay Safe
For everyone in our campus community, please take proper steps to ensure you are prepared and safe.
- Ensure are subscribed to the University’s emergency text messaging at bsu.edu/emergencytext, and follow updates on Twitter (@ballstate_alert) and other social media channels.
- Monitor weather forecasts for changing conditions.
- Monitor changing road conditions and travel advisories issued by the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency.
- Ensure you are prepared with appropriate amounts of food, water and necessary supplies in advance of weather arriving.
- If you are away from campus, consider returning before the forecasted storm arrives.
- Refer to ready.gov and take appropriate actions to keep yourself safe. This is especially important for students living off-campus who might be responsible for a house or apartment for the first time in winter weather.
- After significant snowfall, anticipate and plan for a buildup of snow around your vehicle, both in campus lots and on-street parking around campus. To the degree possible, avoid street parking in neighborhoods around campus to expedite snow removal after the storm.
