KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- With winter weather on our heels and some schools cancelling classes, while others decide to stick to the schedule, you may be wondering, “How do they decide?”
We spoke with the Moberly Area Community College (MACC) in Kirksville, and Director Artie Fowler said it is “pretty much a given” they will not cancel.
She said they do not want students to put themselves at risk; however, not cancelling classes is just another way they train their students for the workforce, as most businesses do not close due to snow.
“Our demographics have changed immensely; we have more students who have children, more students who live far away [and commute], but at the same time, this is college,” said Fowler. “We have faculty and staff that have children within the school systems and those school systems may be cancelled, [but] they always have to have a back-up plan of what to do with their own children. We encourage our students to do the same.”
So, when snowy weather makes an appearance, what is the protocol?
“I get up early, 5 - 5:30 a.m., and talk to our snow people who do our parking lot and our sidewalks. I generally call Weber Bus Company and I speak with them,” said Fowler. “From there I go to my dean and make a recommendation.”
Fowler said she is probably considered “one of those hardcore people.” Living in Northeast Missouri, she said we should expect snow, and if it is possible to get into the parking lot, school should remain in session.
MACC tries to make a decision on cancellations by six a.m., for morning classes, and four p.m. for evening classes. They contact KTVO, the radio station, and post the decision on their website.
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