TO: The Campus Community
FROM: Joel E. Anderson

DATE: January 16, 2008

In accordance with a recommendation by the Faculty Senate several years ago, UALR will cancel day classes whenever the Little Rock School District closes for inclement weather, except during final examinations. We will make the decision on the cancellation of classes meeting at 4:00 p.m. or later based on the recommendation of the Arkansas State Police and the Little Rock Police Department. Our decision will be made, when possible, by 2:00 p.m.

When the University is closed, all classes on and off campus will be cancelled and all offices in all units will be closed. Designated employees in some units such as public safety, maintenance, and housekeeping may be required to perform necessary duties. Supervisors will identify such employees.

During final examinations, the University will make the decision on whether to close independent of the decision of the school district. In other words, it is possible that the University will proceed with all or part of the final examination schedule even if the Little Rock School District closes for inclement weather. In the event that the campus is closed during a final examination day for all or part of the day, the Provost, in consultation with the President of the Faculty Senate, will re-schedule any missed final examinations.

All radio and television stations in central Arkansas, including the University’s public radio station KUAR FM 89 and the University Channel (62 on Comcast Cable), will be notified when the University is closed. An announcement will also be placed on the UALR web site (ualr.edu) and on the voice-mail message of the University’s main telephone number (569-3000). Please note that commercial radio and television stations (for example, KATV, Channel 7, KARK, Channel 4, and KTHV, Channel 11) will only announce a change to the regular schedule. If the University is open, it is not a change.

If there is no announcement concerning UALR on a commercial radio or television station during inclement weather, students, faculty and staff should assume that the University is open. To be certain of the University’s status during inclement weather, check the UALR web site, turn to KUAR public radio or UALR Channel 62 on Comcast, or call 569-3000.

Employees who must report to work when the University is closed due to inclement weather will be allowed compensation time of one and one half hours for one hour worked. Persons who are not required to work when the University is officially closed will be granted excused absence. The Payroll Department will prescribe payroll reporting and timekeeping.

Each academic department should develop and submit to the Dean, to be filed with the Provost, appropriate internal policies and procedures for providing instruction when the University is open but some members of the teaching personnel are unable to reach campus. Other University department heads should file a plan with the appropriate Vice Chancellor to maintain essential services.

The Policy Advisory Council of the University Assembly will recommend to the Chancellor if and when missed class days should be made up.

If the weather alert sirens indicate dangerous weather, persons wishing to seek protective shelter may do so.