Web site, main number and WAER carry weather-related messages

Web site, main number and WAER carry weather-related messagesNovember 09, 2001SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

If this winter is anything like the last one, Central New Yorkers should be prepared for dropping temperatures and plenty of snow. And should these wintry conditions result in the cancellation of classes or other scheduled activities, students, faculty and staff have several ways to get fast, accurate information.

In the event of extreme inclement weather, a recorded message with detailed information can be found at the University’s main switchboard number, 443-1870, which is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The same message will be posted to the Syracuse University News Web site, found at http://sunews.syr.edu. The message will also be sent via e-mail to all members of the University community via “Broadcast Hot News” and will be read repeatedly on Jazz 88 (WAER-FM).

“In the past, students, faculty and staff received storm-related information from local television and radio stations,” says Mark Owczarski, director of communications programs. “But those announcements are typically brief and may not include all the information students, faculty and staff need to know. By calling 443-1870, checking the University’s Web site, checking e-mail or listening to WAER, the community can hear or read a detailed message with all the pertinent information before television and radio stations air their announcements.

“The University community should also utilize these outlets when other events, such as the tragedies in New York and Washington, have an impact on the Syracuse community,” adds Owczarski. “Detailed and accurate information can be obtained from these outlets quickly and easily, easing the confusion and anxiety often associated with these events.”

Because the campus has to stay open to serve residential students, SU classes are seldom canceled due to inclement weather. However, if weather conditions deteriorate prior to evening classes, Syracuse University Continuing Education/University College (SUCE/UC) administrators will monitor the situation and confer with Vice Chancellor and Provost Deborah A. Freund.

“A decision whether to cancel evening classes will be made by 3 p.m.,” says Linda Kristensen, director of public relations at SUCE/UC, “but usually only a county-wide state of emergency will result in all classes being canceled. Part-time and commuting students who travel some distance to class should regularly check the 443-1870 hot line, WAER or the Syracuse University News Web site to find out if a class has been canceled.”

If local conditions prevent safe travel, students commuting from out of town should not come to class, adds Kristensen. Faculty members will be asked to give consideration under such circumstances.

Kristensen also notes that students whose classes meet off campus (e.g., Extended Campus and some continuing education classes) should follow those facilities’ decisions on closing.

In addition to the many on-campus sources of information, the Office of University Communications will continue to provide area television and radio stations with storm-related announcements.

To post a storm-related announcement on the Syracuse University News Web site or the 443-1870 hotline, contact Owczarski at 443-1068.