Student Handbook

Inclement Weather Policy

The main campus of John Brown University rarely cancels classes due to inclement weather, even on days when local schools may be closed. With the majority of our students living on campus, JBU strives to maintain academic continuity and quality as much as possible. However, we recognize that weather conditions may occasionally prevent instructors and off-campus students from safely traveling to campus.

JBU will operate on a two-tier system: Tier 1 is the default with in-person classes if possible, and Tier 2 is declared by administration, with all classes remote if possible.

Tier 1 Details - In effect at all times unless Tier 2 is declared by the administration.

If an instructor cannot make it to campus, they will notify students and their college dean via email whether their classes will be held remotely or canceled. They should also post an announcement in the course Blackboard site and have someone post a notice in their classrooms. If an off-campus student cannot make it to campus, they should notify their instructor, and the instructor should make reasonable accommodations. Instructors are encouraged to make a Zoom link available for remote participation if the scheduled class is conducive to a remote format.

For graduate courses at locations other than the main campus, any closures will typically be announced on the Crisis Alert System (CAS) and social media by 2 pm on the date of inclement weather. Instructors and students should also follow the previous procedures if safe travel is impossible.

Inclement weather should generally not impact online courses, though related power outages may limit access to the internet. In those situations, instructors and students should communicate with each other and make reasonable accommodations.

Tier 2 Details - Only in effect if declared by administration

In some rare situations, extreme weather may require that all in person classes go remote. If this is the case, the university will make a general announcement to that effect through multiple communication channels, e.g., email, social media, Crisis Alert System (CAS). Instructors should then follow up with students about details for their classes.