Purpose
Under extreme weather conditions or a general emergency, the University president may decide to delay or cancel classes. The governor of New York state is the only individual authorized to close the campus. This annex describes the decision-making process associated with the delay or cancellation of classes.
Decision Not To Delay or Cancel Classes
When is the decision made to delay or cancel classes?
The decision to delay or cancel classes will normally be made by 6 a.m. of the emergency day. In cases when emergency conditions occur after classes have begun for the day, the decision to cancel classes will be made as soon as reasonably possible.
Who makes the decision?
The decision to delay or cancel classes will be made by the president or (designee). The president may consult with various individuals on campus and ask for recommendations, but the president will make the final decision.
Public safety is the primary consideration in closure decisions. In this regard, the University’s chief of police and/or the director of Emergency Management (or their designees) will be responsible for advising the vice president for operations on safety-related conditions. This advisory and/or recommendation will be made after consultation with internal departments and external agencies. These groups typically include, but may not be limited to, the following departments/agencies:
- NYS University Police at Binghamton University
- Binghamton University Facilities Management
- Binghamton University Environmental Health and Safety
- National Weather Service
- Broome County Office of Emergency Services
- Area police agencies
What is the notification procedure?
The vice president for operations will be immediately advised once the University’s chief of police and/or the director of Emergency Management (or their designees) make a recommendation. The vice president for operations will then advise or recommend to the president an appropriate course of action.
If the president makes the decision to delay or cancel classes, the University’s chief of police and/or the director of Emergency Management (or their designees) will immediately communicate that decision to Communications and Marketing.
Communications and Marketing is responsible for the widespread distribution of all emergency messages and critical information updates to members of the campus community. Emergency alerts shall be distributed through all appropriate methods. Available emergency communication methods include the following outlets:
- B-ALERT text and email messages
- Dateline and B-Line listservs
- BU Alert Line (recorded messages) 607-777-7700
- University homepage
- University alert web page http://www.binghamton.edu/alert/
- Local media outlets (TV and radio)
- Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- LED message boards
