Weather or Emergency Closings

This Policy on Campus Closings provides guidance and information about delayed openings, early closings, and curtailed operations (“Campus Closings”) at Smith College due to an emergency, weather conditions, or other unanticipated circumstances. This policy applies to all Smith employees, including those working a remote hybrid schedule. 

As a residential college, Smith requires continuation of services for students, regardless of Campus Closings. Departments providing essential services are expected to continue operations during adverse weather or emergencies, while others are encouraged to sustain services where feasible. Employees who provide essential services must continue the college's operations during Campus Closings and report to work as their positions require. Whether an employee is considered “essential” is at the discretion of the college. If a staff member is considered essential and required to report to work on campus or remotely during a College closure, this status should be clearly communicated to the employee by their manager. Departments are tasked with defining "essential services" and establishing plans to ensure their continuation during such situations. Non-essential employees who are not required on campus and are able to work remotely should do so. Non-essential hourly employees unable to complete their work remotely should record the workday as a “snow day” on their Workday timesheet.

Announcements of storm delays or closings will be available beginning approximately at 6:30 a.m., or as soon as practicable, on the affected workday. The official mechanism for notifying the community about college closures is Smith’s Information Line, 413-585-INFO (4636). When possible, the following will also occur:

• There will be a banner at the top of Smith’s homepage announcing the closure. 

• Priority News emails will be sent to all employees. 

• Local television stations WWLP-TV Channel 22 and WGGB-TV Channel 40 will broadcast news of delays or closings.
   

Employees are responsible for obtaining information regarding delayed openings or cancellations. The absence of communication indicates that the college will operate as usual. 

For employees absent due to pre-planned vacation, personal days, illness, or scheduled absences during these instances, the entire day of vacation or personal time must be used as initially planned.