Adverse Weather Delay Start and Closure Policy

Great Basin College has established a Weather Policy, in accordance with NSHE policy, for those times when adverse weather conditions require a delayed start, early closure, or full day closure. This policy is used for all Campuses and Centers within Nevada. The College does not follow the weather policy of the local school districts, which is often determined by school bus travel safety.

Delayed Start

For those days when weather forecasts indicate there may be heavy snow early in the morning the Vice President for Business Affairs, Facilities Director and Health, Safety & Security Director will determine to open, delay or stay closed before 6:00 AM. If the decision is made to delay the start of classes, in the location of the weather problem, the start time for the campus or center will be 9:30 AM. Morning CTE classes will start at 9:30 AM, all other early classes will be cancelled for that day and all classes starting at 9:30 AM or later will start on time. All campus business offices will open at 9:30 AM. Center Directors should contact one of the three persons listed, if they believe their location should request a delayed start. Delayed starts, regardless of the location, will be posted on the front page of the website and an Omnilert email and text message will be sent to all employees and students listed phone and email addresses. (Based on the type of adverse weather, some essential employees may be called in early or at their regular reporting time to assist with weather related issues, such as snow removal.)

Early Closure

For those days when weather forecasts indicate there may be extreme heat or heavy snow during afternoon and early evening hours, making travel dangerous, the Vice President for Business Affairs, Facilities Director and Health, Safety & Security Director will determine if the location should close early to permit students and employees to travel home before hazardous conditions occur. This decision will be based on NWS and DOT reports as well as visual inspections. Center locations experiencing extreme weather should be in contact with those three persons so a decision for each location may be arranged. CTE Classes meeting at the time of the decision will be contacted to end at a regular break time in the class. All other classes will complete their session and any classes that start after the time of the decision will be cancelled for the day. Early closure, regardless of location, will be posted on the front page of the website and an Omnilert email and text message will be sent to all employees and students listed phone and email addresses.

Full-day Closure – Extreme Weather

For those days when weather forecasts indicate extreme weather, such as heavy snow or excess heat the Vice President for Business Affairs, Facilities Director and Health, Safety & Security Director will determine to open, delay or stay closed before 6:00 AM. If the decision is made to close for the full day, no classes or offices will be opened, and all students and employees will be advised to stay home and off the roads. Center Directors should contact one of the three persons listed, if they believe their location should request a full day closure based on extreme weather. Campus or Center closures, regardless of the location, will be posted on the front page of the website and an Omnilert email and text message will be sent to all employees and students at their listed phone and email addresses. (Based on the type of adverse weather, some essential employees may be called in early or at their regular reporting time to assist with weather related issues, such as snow removal.)

Personal Safety

GBC understands that across Nevada there are numerous microclimates that may cause localized extreme weather conditions. If any student or employee believes travel to or from their campus or center is too dangerous, they should make travel decisions based on their location. Students deciding not to travel should contact their instructors to advise of their situation. Employees deciding not to travel are responsible for contacting their supervisor prior to the start of their normal shift. All members of the GBC Community are encouraged to use their best judgement based on the specific circumstances.

Weather Resources

• National Weather Service - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• National Weather Service: Forecast Office Elko - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Nevada Department of Transportation
• Nevada Department of Transportation: Road Conditions Report

For More Information Contact

Campus Security
775-934-4923
campus.security@gbcnv.edu

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Why Great Basin College

Great Basin College, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State", offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.