Inclement Weather Policy
During periods of inclement weather, the Office of the Provost asks the campus community
to be flexible and responsible regarding classes and assignments.
If A-State Stays Open
In the event that Arkansas State University remains open, all classes will continue as scheduled.
Flexibility for Power or Connectivity Issues
In the event of power or connectivity issues, faculty should be prepared to allow
extra time as necessary for online coursework.
Commuter Student Guidance
Commuters are asked to use good judgment in deciding whether to drive to campus during inclement weather. Student safety is
important to A-State, but we cannot account for the circumstances of every student
when deciding to open or close.
Faculty Cancellation
If a faculty member cannot travel and cannot conduct class, they should alert their chair/dean as soon as possible and notify students of changes. Faculty cannot change the modality of their classes
to online delivery due to inclement weather.
Student Communication Responsibility
When the decision is made not to travel to campus under this policy, it is the responsibility
of the student to immediately contact each professor to explain the circumstances and to determine the need to complete any missed assignments.
Missed Assignments and Coursework
Students unable to travel to campus are responsible for all missed assignments within a time frame to be determined by the professor. When notified by a student
that they are unable to safely commute, professors are asked to honor the absence
as excused and not impose any attendance penalty.
If A-State Closes Campus
When the university is closed due to inclement weather, all face-to-face classes are
cancelled.
Changing Course Modality
To remain in compliance with U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission,
and Arkansas Division of Higher Education course modality definitions, faculty cannot change the modality of their face-to-face classes to online delivery due to inclement weather.
Online Instruction Continues
During times of university closure, online courses continue as usual. In the event of power or connectivity issues, faculty should be prepared to allow
extra time as necessary for online coursework.
Early Closures and Late Openings
Occasionally, A-State will close campus early due to deteriorating weather or open
campus late to allow for safer conditions.
Closing Campus Early
When A-State closes early, the University will cease all academic classes and regular business operations at a publicly announced time. In such an event, all remaining day and evening classes
will be cancelled after a specified time.
Delayed Campus Opening
On days when A-State announces a delayed opening, all academic classes regularly scheduled
to begin prior to the delayed opening time will be cancelled and will not meet.
Inclement Weather Announcements and Updates
A-State reminds all students that official announcements will be made only through
official university communications. The official university homepage, AState.edu,
is supplemented by the verified university social media accounts -- on Facebook (Facebook.com/ArkansasState) and X (formerly Twitter) (@ArkansasState).
Email communication for emergency and weather alerts is provided to the official AState.edu-issued
faculty and staff or student accounts. Individuals who have signed up for text alerts
will also receive notices of opening and closures.
Policy Updated: January 19, 2024