Quick Questions: “Snow Day” or a Snowy Day?

This winter was particularly cold, bringing icy roads, puddles of slush, and unpredictable weather. One minute, it was bright and sunny, and the next, it felt like there was an Arctic blast on the way. Too often, students found themselves hoping and pleading for a “snow day” — a day that replaced academic stress with cozying up in the dorm watching your favorite show or sledding down steep Marsh Hill.

So what really makes a snow day a “snow day?” What determines whether we will get that email from ACPD, or trudge through the blizzard and head to class? Should you dive into that 100-page reading that’s due tomorrow, or can you relax in case the day gets canceled?

The process is described on the college’s website under the Inclement Weather Policy. It begins when the senior police officer assesses the road conditions and monitors public safety radio to track traffic updates. This includes the frequency and severity of any accidents or hazards. The senior officer also consults with the grounds supervisor or their designee to get an update on the condition of the campus grounds and whether snow removal efforts are underway.

If the roads are in “poor condition,” the senior officer contacts the executive director of safety and chief of police by 5 a.m. to report the situation, not necessarily stating that there will be a “snow day.” Then, the chief financial and administrative officer (CFAO) and chief of police discuss whether the College should delay its opening or close for the day.

They consult with the chief policy officer and general counsel to finalize their decision. Once the decision is made, the CFAO informs the executive director of safety and chief of police, who notifies the senior officer. The officer and dispatcher immediately notify local media outlets, including TV stations and radio, and then update the Snow Line (413-542-SNOW), an automated system that sends out phone calls or text messages to inform people about snow days or other inclement weather-related closures or delays.

Following that, finally, an email is sent to everyone, letting the campus community know if classes are canceled, delayed, or if the college is closed for the day. If the college reopens later, the same exact process of continued monitoring of road conditions is followed and another decision is made on whether to continue operations.

The "snow day" announcement affects campus operations, closing Frost Library and academic buildings, but Valentine Dining Hall, the facilities department, and emergency medical services, including care from ACEMS, Community Safety, and ACPD, remain open.

Now, the next time you’re debating whether or not to finish that problem set, you’ll know whether or not a snow day will come to the rescue.