Emergency Closing Procedure

Contact Info

Sarah Hensley
Director of Public and Community Relations, Pierpont
Room 206, Hardway Hall
Phone: 304.367.4152
E-Mail: Sarah.Hensley@pierpont.edu

Procedures for Emergency Closings/Cancellations

In accordance with the institutional policy on emergency closings and/or cancellation of classes, these procedures will be followed if it is necessary to alter the regular class schedules or work schedules due to an emergency situation and/or inclement weather. In such a case, the Director of Public Relations will notify area media listed below.

Employees and students are advised to read or listen to media announcements. There have been occasions when the media outlets have put out the wrong message, or have provided a limited message. For the official word and full details it is recommended that you check the Pierpont web site (www.pierpont.edu ) or call the general number, (304) 367-4000, for a message. You also can access the announcement toll-free at (800) 641-5678.

Information on emergency closings will be sent through Pierpont’s emergency text messaging system. To opt in to the system, follow these directions:
1. Go to our home page,  www.pierpont.edu .
2. On the Quick Links menu, select “ENROLLMENT CENTER.”
3. On the ENROLLMENT CENTER page, select “Secure Area Log-in.”
4. Log-in using your UCA and password.
5. From the Main Menu, select “Personal Information.”
6. In that menu, select “Emergency Text Messaging.”
7. Enter your cell phone number and service provider’s name and select “Submit.”

When public schools close in Doddridge, Preston, Barbour, Taylor, Randolph, Calhoun, Gilmer and Upshur counties, off-campus courses for Pierpont in that particular county are canceled. There will be no media announcement.
Pierpont classes offered in Monongalia, Lewis and Braxton can operate if public schools are closed in those counties, so they will follow the same closings/delay schedule as main campus. The Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center and the Gaston Caperton Center in Harrison County also follow the same closings/delay schedule as main campus.
In the event of a two-hour delay, classes scheduled before 10 a.m. will be canceled. All classes starting at 10 a.m. or later will operate on their normal schedule. Staff members are to report as close to their normal start time as possible.
Students and employees must use good judgment in deciding if they can arrive to campus safely when weather is unfavorable. In compliance with state code, employees who do not report to work or who report to work later than their normal start time, will be required to use annual leave or make arrangements with their supervisor to make up the lost time unless there is a declared state of emergency.
Some personnel necessary to the operation of the institution, including Physical Plant employees, are considered essential employees and are required to report to work and/or make every effort to report for work.

Media to be notified:
Television stations
WBOY
WDTV

Radio stations
Fantasia Broadcasting -- WMMN 920 AM, WRLF 94.3 FM, WTCS 1490 AM
Froggy 102.7 FM, 92.7 FM, 103.7 FM
West Virginia Radio Corporation -- WKKW 97.9 FM, WVAQ 101.9 FM, WAJR1440 AM
West Virginia Public Radio -- 90.9 FM Morgantown, 107.3 FM Clarksburg, 88.9 FM Buckhannon, 88.5 FM Elkins

Newspapers
These newspapers will be notified when the change is known in time to meet printing deadlines:
Times West Virginian
The Dominion Post
The Exponent-Telegram


Pierpont Community & Technical College©
1201 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554 Tel: 304-367-4892
Toll Free: 1-800-641-5678 TDD: 304-367-4200
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