08/28: Dr. Schramm Comments on Republican Running Mate "I believe that Senator McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate is a bold choice, one that will both help the ticket get elected - for she will appeal to three important segments of the electorate (Hillary Clinton supporters, independents, and conservatives) - and once elected, she will help him govern well - for she is known to be very intelligent, a skilled administrator and commited to ethics reform."

It is important to note that the Ashland University administration acknowledges that the closing of campus or the canceling of classes due to weather conditions is not a perfect science and that often times weather conditions change after a decision has been made or that weather conditions vary depending on geographic location. For this reason, the AU administration believes that students need to use common sense in making a decision whether or not to travel to campus for classes. The AU administration recognizes that the student is solely responsible for making the final decision regarding travel, and if a student decides not to travel to campus because of road conditions, he or she should not be penalized in any way.

When canceling classes, the Public Relations Office attempts to have TV and radio stations communicate that classes are canceled rather than the campus closed. However, some automated services list only the closed option, so this may show up on some TV or radio stations. Please note that when classes are canceled, offices remain open and AU administrators and staff are expected to report to work. Only under the most extreme conditions would the campus be closed due to weather.

Options for Obtaining Closing Information
AU and ATS students as well as employees and faculty members who are teaching classes on the Ashland or ATS campus or at one of AU or ATS centers have several options for obtaining information on the cancellation of classes, the closing of offices or the closing of centers due to the weather. This information should be available through the options listed below after 7:15 a.m. These include:

1. radio and TV stations -- listen or watch for closings on radio and TV stations in the area where the campus or center is located.
2. snow line -- off-campus students can call AUs general number 419-289-4142 or the toll free 1-800-882-1548 to ask for an update on snow closings. The operator either provides info or transfers them to the snowline for an update. If there is no operator on duty, the call will automatically ring over to a menu and the caller needs to push a number to access the snow line.
3. on-campus students can call the AU snow line direct at SNOW (7669).
4. the AU website -- www.ashland.edu -- now features a weather logo that links to the Snow Closing Policy and provides an update on class cancellation or office closings as soon as decisions are made.
5. the electronic sign located at the point on Claremont Avenue -- class cancellations or campus closings will be listed on AUs electronic sign.
6. an all-campus email an all-campus email will be sent to all students, faculty and staff communicating any and all closings or class cancellations.

Closing of Day Classes for AU Main Campus or ATS Main Campus
The decision to cancel day classes should be made no later than 6:30 a.m., which allows time to get information to media and also posted at different locations.

Closing of Evening Undergraduate and Graduate Classes on AU Campus
If at all possible, a decision to cancel evenings classes should be made by 3 p.m. This provides enough time to get the message on the air waves prior to students or faculty members leaving for campus. The undergraduate and graduate evening classes are grouped together and AU does not cancel one without the other.

Closing of Evening Classes at AU Centers or ATS Centers
If at all possible, a decision to cancel should be made by 3 p.m. if classes are to be closed for that evening. This provides enough time to get the message on the air waves prior to students or faculty members leaving for campus.