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Severe Weather

While it is rare for WWCC to close due to inclement weather, the college has a procedure in place that dictates what will happen and how students and employees will be notified.

Weather Decisions

When severe weather strikes, college personnel consider a number of factors in determining if the college must delay classes or close, including:

Current weather conditions.
Forecasted conditions for later in the day.
Status of public transportation systems.
Road conditions.
Ability of WWCC maintenance staff to maintain safe conditions on campus.

WWCC is committed to being open and accessible to our students and the community. Storms and snowfall are common in Eastern Washington, though the college will remain open if conditions are such that most students and employees can safely make it to campus.

However, travel conditions can vary greatly from one part of our service district to another, and conditions may change quickly. Each individual must take personal responsibility for their own safety and use their best judgement in determining if conditions in your location are too hazardous for travel. If you are unable to make it to campus when the college remains open, students should contact their instructor(s) and employees their supervisor.

Weather-Related Notifications

The college will determine by 5:30 a.m. (where possible) if Clarkston and/or Walla Walla campuses are closed or undergoing a late start. If one or more locations will close early due to weather, the college will attempt to communicate that closing as quickly as possible.

Weather-related closings and delays are communicated in the following ways. Please note that utility failures/outages may delay the college’s ability to broadcast information.

WWCC Alert messaging, which uses ctcLink contact information to email and text current students and employees
WWCC website
Social media
Canvas
Notification to a variety of media (WWCC cannot control if the media elect to announce it)

No notification means no cancellation. The college will not make weather-related announcements when classes will continue to meet as scheduled.

Weather Delays and Closings

All-Day Closing

If an all-day closing is announced, in most cases classes will follow alternative instruction plans detailed in each course syllabus, and all other college services are canceled. Non-essential staff are not required to work.

Late Start

The message announcing the delay will provide the time when facilities open. Classes will generally follow the alternative instruction plans detailed in each course syllabus until 1 p.m. if facilities open at 12 p.m. or prior; if facilities are scheduled to open after 12 p.m., classes will follow alternative instruction plans for the entire day. All other college services are canceled until facilities open. Nonessential staff are not required to work during the delay; they will report to campus when facilities are scheduled to open.

Early Closing (e.g., cancellation of night classes)

Classes will generally follow the alternative instruction plans detailed in each course syllabus for the remainder of the day. All other services are canceled for the remainder of the day. All nonessential employees must leave campus, and nonessential staff are not required to work after facilities close.

Winter Weather Safety

Even though WWCC staff will make every effort to clear sidewalks and roadways, it is advised that students, employees and guests take extra care driving and walking on campus. If snow falls during the day, it is often difficult to keep all areas clear of snow. Please wear appropriate footwear and be cautious to reduce the risk of slipping/falling.