Teaching in Inclement Weather

In inclement weather, PSU may have a delayed start, an early closure, or a full-day closure. Here’s how to reduce impacts to class meetings and learning outcomes and accommodate hardships and safety needs — for yourself and your students.

At the beginning of each term, discuss the University Closure Policy and Inclement Weather Procedures with your students. Include any alternative plans or instructions in your course syllabus, so students fully understand:

• How to get closure information before traveling to campus
• What to expect if classes are cancelled or final exams are impacted

In all cases, it’s important and helpful for you to communicate course expectations to concerned students. You can send your entire class an email through your PSU Gmail account.

Because online courses don’t require campus attendance, they may continue during inclement weather closures — at your discretion. Although your virtual class may remain open, the library and most other university buildings will be closed. Please exercise normal flexibility and make reasonable accommodation for weather related impacts such as:

• Loss of access to Internet connections and devices, or even electricity
• Changes in students’ and instructors’ work hours, childcare schedules, and more

Plan ahead for how you might accommodate power outages or other weather-related impacts. This could include:

• Extending deadlines
• Rescheduling exams
• Recording class meetings
• Not requiring students to have cameras on
• Alternative learning activities instead of scheduled class meetings

No matter how you approach your online class during inclement weather, remember to clearly and quickly tell students your expectations and any changes. Email and online course announcements (in Canvas) are two good options for communicating with students.