Winter is here. Here’s what you need to know if Mohawk College needs to close campuses due to hazardous weather.
Temperatures are falling and snow is in the forecast. It’s time to become familiar with Mohawk’s procedures for closing its campuses, and learn how to keep informed when threatening weather approaches.
Closing campuses is not a decision the college takes lightly. Mohawk will only close campuses when normal operations would pose a danger to students and employees while on campus or would prevent large numbers of them from coming to campus or returning safely to their homes.
If it is necessary to close campuses, Mohawk will make a formal announcement. If there is no announcement made, it means campuses remain open and classes will run as scheduled.
If the college decides to close campuses due to hazardous weather, the following will apply:
- All in-person classes and events will be cancelled.
- Virtual classes and services will continue.
- The DBARC will be closed and all athletic activities cancelled.
- All on-campus events will be cancelled.
- Employees who can work remotely will be expected to do so.
If campuses are closed, any exams scheduled to be held in-person on the day of the closure will be re-scheduled. Room locations and times for rescheduled exams will be shared with students by email.
No matter what the college decides, it is important for students to make their own assessment about whether or not it is safe to come to campus. The college encourages faculty to consider the weather conditions when someone chooses to stay home, recognizing that some people may be traveling from locations experiencing hazardous weather conditions that are further away from the college.
How do we announce closures?
The best way to learn about closures is to sign up for Mohawk’s SAM (Security Alert Messenger) service. SAM uses text messages, social media, the college website, email and local media to inform students and employees that the college is closed. SAM is also used for lockdowns and other emergencies that require rapid communication with the college community.
When will Mohawk announce that it is closing campuses?
Every effort will be made to confirm a closing by 6 a.m. on the day the closure is to take place. If weather conditions change during the day, the college will announce a closure as soon as the decision is made. To support our Continuing Education students and instructors, the college will make every effort to announce daytime closures by no later than 3 p.m. The announcement will specify whether the closure is immediate or to take place at a stated hour.
If threatening weather is in the forecast, it is strongly advised that students and employees check Mohawk’s website and social media channels, and stay tuned to local media for the latest information.
The following is a list of sites where closure information is posted:
Subscribe to SAM: https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/about-mohawk/security-and-emergency-management/security-alert-messenger-sam-service
College website: www.mohawkcollege.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mohawkcollege
Twitter: @MohawkCollege
Closure Information Line: 905-575-2444
Learn more about Mohawk College’s Emergency Procedures.