Inclement Weather Policy for Health Sciences Students Assigned to a Clinical Site

The college administration recognizes that under certain extreme weather conditions, students cannot and should not attempt to come to campus or clinical sites. However, if classes are not officially canceled, it is the responsibility of each student to decide if he/she feels safe driving in the inclement weather. This is a decision that must ultimately be made by each individual. Students must assume responsibility for deciding if weather conditions are too hazardous to permit safe driving regardless of college announcements. Safety and personal judgment are required in each individual case. Caution is urged! Even though safety is the first concern, students must avoid any abuse, or potential abuse, of this situation.

Clinical Decision by 5:00 AM
The decision to close the college or delay the opening during inclement weather is the responsibility of the President or his/her designated representative. A decision concerning clinical will be made by 5:00 a.m. Students in health programs will need to call the college at (252) 823-5166 or (252) 446-0436, ext. 111, and check the message. If clinical is canceled, the telephone message will state this and will include the current date. The absence of an announcement should alert students that clinicals will operate on a regular schedule.

When the College is Closed
If the college closes due to inclement weather, clinicals will be canceled.

Early Closing
If the college closes early after the start of clinical, the Program Chairs will notify the Clinical Instructors to dismiss the students from clinical at the time of the college closing.

When the College Does Not Close
Even though the inclement weather policy has not been invoked and the college is open, but the road conditions where the students live preclude safe travel and the students elect to not report to clinical at a clinical facility in Edgecombe County, the students must follow the program policy for reporting of the absence. The absence will be documented.

If the student’s clinical assignment is outside of Edgecombe County, and the public county schools located in the county of the clinical site is closed or has an alternate schedule due to inclement weather, the student will be excused from clinical. The Program Chair will be responsible for determining if the public county schools located in the county of the clinical site is closed or has an alternate schedule due to inclement weather and will document approval of the absence. The student must follow the program policy for reporting of the absence. If the student adheres to policy, the absence will not count as one of the allowed absences for the semester.

Make-up Schedule
In the event of any absence due to inclement weather, make-up time will be added to the semester to ensure students receive the full hours of clinical instruction that are required for the course.

Tarboro: (252) 823-5166 2009 W. Wilson St., Tarboro, NC 27886

Rocky Mount:  (252) 446-0436 225 Tarboro St., Rocky Mount, NC 27801