Snow/Inclement Weather Policy

Closing/Delay Opening Policy for Cancellation or Postponement of Classes

Villanova University intends to maintain its regularly scheduled classes and final examination periods, avoiding school closings due to inclement weather whenever possible. A delayed opening is preferable to closing for an entire day. In deciding whether to close or delay opening, several factors are considered: the character of the storm (onset time, intensity, and duration); the condition of travel routes to the University; and the condition of campus roads and walkways.

Policy:

If weather factors are unfavorable and not expected to improve, all in-person classes normally will be cancelled for the day; in-person graduate classes may be offered remotely at the discretion of the professor. If there is a good chance that conditions will be acceptable by mid-morning, however, the opening of school will be delayed.

In such delayed opening circumstances, the first class will be cancelled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the school day will begin with the second regularly scheduled class at 10:00 A.M. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the first two classes will be cancelled, and the school day will begin with the third regularly scheduled class at 10:40 A.M.; for the Charles Widger School of Law (CWSL), the day will begin at 10:15 A.M. Occasionally, classes in the later afternoon and evening are cancelled when bad weather conditions develop during the day.

Because students come from various locations and distances, some of which may be more seriously affected by adverse weather than others, students must, as always, exercise their judgment on whether it is safe to drive to the University. If a student decides it is not safe to attend class, then they must inform their faculty in advance of the class and the student’s absence will be excused.  Because faculty also come from various locations and distances, some of which may be more seriously affected by adverse weather than others, faculty must, as always, exercise their judgment on whether it is safe to drive to the University. If they believe it unsafe or untenable, they may convert class to an online structure, but must contact students at least two hours prior to the class start time if they choose to do so and must inform their Department Chair/Program Director.

During final examination week, a delayed opening means that the first exam of the day is cancelled. It will be rescheduled in an appropriate manner. If weather conditions make it impossible for a student to come to campus for an exam, they should contact the professor in advance of the scheduled exam to explain the situation and to schedule a make-up examination. At the CWSL, students should contact the registrar.

Unless students are notified otherwise by their College, courses that meet fully online, or already have a previously scheduled online course meeting for the day of inclement weather, will continue as planned, even if the university is closed.  Instructors should make it clear to students if assignment due dates will be changed based on a school closure.

The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing has a special procedure for the closing of its clinical practicum courses; the procedure may be obtained from the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. All other Nursing courses are subject to the standard University schedule, above.

NOTE: Check for the separate policy issued by the Human Resource Office covering staff obligations and University office operations in the case of closings and delayed openings. For information concerning the Executive MBA Program, contact the EMBA office directly or visit the website.

Procedure:

The announcement concerning closing or delayed opening normally is made via NOVA ALERT, on the University snow and emergency number (610-519-4505), the Law School snow and emergency number (610-519-7744), the voice mailboxes of University telephones, and posted to the University website by 6:00 A.M. In the case of an announced delayed opening, if the situation should worsen and if a subsequent decision is made to cancel classes and close the University, a closing announcement normally would be made by 8:30 A.M. Villanova faculty, staff and students are therefore advised to recheck the announcements until 8:30 A.M., prior to departing for school.

Evening class closure announcements will be made in the same manner, normally prior to 2:00 P.M. University offices are notified via a telephone message chain.

Information for Friday evening and Saturday Class Cancellation or Postponement of Classes

For information concerning courses offered on weekends and at off-site locations by the College of Professional Studies (CPS), contact CPS directly or visit the website.

Classes and workshops on Friday evening and Saturday offered by the Villanova School of Business, the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences will be held as scheduled unless the instructor has notified the students otherwise.

Recommended by Academic Policy Committee, November 15, 2021.

Updated by Council of Deans November 17, 2021.

Approved by Provost, November 17, 2021.

Approved by President, November 18, 2021