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Article Praises Using Wimba when Schools are Closed

Marshall University details inclement-weather policy

To read the full article in Huntington, WV’s The Herald-Dispatch, click here

by Bill Rosenberger

HUNTINGTON—As the latest winter storm left Tri-State roads icy and snow-covered, Marshall University officials reminded faculty, staff and students to use discretion when deciding to travel.

“Even as the university remains open, your personal safety should always be your utmost concern,” the Wednesday afternoon announcement said. “Marshall University has a responsibility to its students and the citizens of West Virginia to fulfill its mission as an educational institution whenever possible.”

Before the announcement was released, at least one student felt the need to contact President Stephen Kopp and question why classes had not been canceled.

“Why exactly is it so important that a university with a student body primarily composed of off-campus students remain open during weather this bad?” wrote senior Rebecca Dalzell. “After all, every single one of West Virginia’s 55 counties were closed, as well as several other colleges and universities.”

Administration said in the e-mail that about 2,000 students live on campus and many more live within reasonable walking and driving distance. And for those on campus, certain services must be maintained.

Even so, Marshall officials take weather decisions just as serious as school districts, they said.

“Personal judgment and responsibility need to be considered when we have inclement weather but they must be balanced with the university’s obligation to fulfill its mission,” the e-mail stated. “The decision about whether to delay or close Marshall University is a serious one that is made collectively by members of the senior staff. During the decision-making process, we remain in contact with the National Weather Service, meteorologists and local authorities to receive up-to-date information and forecasts.”

According to the weather policy, which was updated in 2009 by the Board of Governors, the university only closes in rare and extreme situations because it is “essential that public safety be maintained, that buildings and equipment be protected and that services be provided for those students housed in campus facilities.”

For those reasons, university staff and administrative employees are expected to report to work.

Dalzell said the policy gives employees the ability to use their discretion but doesn’t afford students the same decision-making process.

However, Faculty Senate President Cam Brammer said she thinks most faculty members are willing to work with students who are unable to make it out in severe weather.

“No faculty member wants a student to put their life at risk to come to class,” she said, adding that she was unable to get out of her driveway Wednesday.

But Brammer said students and faculty have a responsibility to communicate clearly with one another when these situations arise. She said she’ll e-mail her students to let them know she won’t be there, but she expects them to be checking messages or calling her office or department to confirm.

One professor, Marty Laubach, has been using Wimba, a video collaboration Web site that allows him to teach from home. He utilized it Wednesday and has gotten about 50 percent participation from his students. It allows for real-time interaction from students, as well, through text messaging or a microphone.

The site also allows videos to be archived for students who miss the live feed.

With all the technology available, Brammer said students will still miss the synergy of a classroom lecture and discussion. On the other hand, she’ll gladly e-mail notes and assignments if someone can’t make it in from Hurricane, where Dalzell is currently commuting from.

Brammer said if a student clearly shows that weather prevented them from attending class, faculty members should be giving them the benefit of the doubt. However, in cases where that may not happen, students can appeal to the department chair or the dean.

“I don’t think that’s something most students are aware of, and maybe students try to get to campus because they don’t know they have some recourse,” Dalzell said.

Still, Dalzell said it should be in writing to protect commuting students or even those who live on campus that may not be able to make it back after going home for the weekend.

“The way it stands now, in writing, is the student does not have the ability to make the call,” she said. “The student has no motive or willpower. Because the faculty do, there’s a double standard. And we’re supposed to be considered adults, too.”