Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a commuter institution and recognizes the commitments that its employees and students make to attend work, classes, and events. In that regard, Penn Highlands will remain open and operational unless extreme weather conditions or other emergencies do not permit it to do so. The College does not strictly follow the delays and cancellations of local school districts, so please review closure information on our website, our social media networks, local radio and television stations, and by registering for our text message alert system (PEAK txt). You must opt into our text message alert system to receive emergency notifications.Â
Decision Making
In consultation with key administrative staff, the responsibility for the decision to close rests with the College President. In the case of severe weather, which limits the College from safely opening, the College will usually close as a unit (all locations). In a localized emergency or weather condition, a campus or center may be closed individually at the direction of the Center Director and in consultation with the College President.Â
It is not the College’s intention to place any student or employee in a perilous situation. Therefore, individuals must exercise discretion in determining what actions they wish to take in weather or other college-related emergency situations. Employees may use paid leave time to avoid unsafe travel. The College has asked our faculty to provide a liberal leave policy for students who are unable to travel due to inclement weather. Â
Inclement Weather Decision Timelines
When possible. notice of closings, delays, or early dismissal sent to students, employees, and the public:
- Before 9:00 PM (the day before) if inclement weather is imminent.
- Between 5:00-5:15 AM if inclement weather is possible, but not imminent.
- A minimum notice of two hours shall be given, if possible, for any changes to the teaching and operating schedule (e.g., early dismissal).
Inclement Weather Situations
College Closure
All College locations are closed due to hazardous driving conditions. All classes will be canceled. Instructors are encouraged to find creative ways to make up for lost seat time but cannot require students to meet in a virtual setting. If the Richland Campus closes, all other Penn Highlands locations will also close. However, if the Richland Campus is open, then it is possible that some other Penn Highlands locations may close due to inclement weather affecting that individual location.
Early Dismissal
In this case, the College has already opened with students and employees present on-site, with the weather situation becoming increasingly dangerous. All classes will be canceled after the early dismissal. Instructors are encouraged to find creative ways to make up for lost seat time but cannot require students to meet in a virtual setting. If the Richland Campus closes, all other Penn Highlands locations will also close. However, if the Richland Campus is open, then it is possible that some other Penn Highlands locations may close due to inclement weather affecting that individual location.
Delayed Start
The College will remain open, but driving conditions may be hazardous in some areas. During a delayed start, employees and students will usually report at 9:30 AM unless otherwise indicated. If there is a delayed start at the Richland Campus, all other Penn Highlands locations will also have a delayed start. Refer to the following when the College delays opening until 9:30AM for the day:
- Classes (regardless of modality) are canceled if they are scheduled to begin before 9:30 AM and end before 9:30 AM.
- Classes (regardless of modality) that are scheduled to begin before 9:30 AM but end after 9:30 AM will begin at 9:30 AM and will end at their normally scheduled times.
- Classes that begin at or after 9:30 AM will begin and end at their normally scheduled times.