Introducing NOVA’s New Color-Coded Closure System

February 23, 2022 / General NOVA News

As you know, our region has experienced more “weather” this winter than we’ve had in a long time. So, we have revisited our campus closure policy and decided to move to a new color-coded system. This will make it easier to clearly and concisely communicate what various announcements mean for our faculty, staff and students (especially in the age of Twitter and text message character limits).

In the past, in-person learning was the primary means of instruction at NOVA. However, the pandemic expanded the number of learning opportunities available. Our staff and faculty may now be working in-person, in hybrid telework or fully remotely, depending on their EWP. These changes have given us the opportunity to rethink how we communicate campus or college closures.

Here is our new color-coded closure system. This information will be communicated in all the traditional ways: by text message, on our website and through local television/radio broadcast systems.

NOVA’s New Color-Coded System:

CODE RED: COLLEGE CLOSED

  • NOVA is closed with no remote or in-person instruction or services.
  • All services offered at off-campus locations, such as military installations, are closed.
  • Designated (essential) employees are required to report as directed by supervisors.

CODE YELLOW: COLLEGE OPEN BUT BUILDINGS CLOSED

  • NOVA is open but all buildings are closed for in-person use. Buildings are locked with access restricted to designated (essential) employees only.
  • Instruction and college services are open for remote delivery only.
  • In-person classes and services are remote, not cancelled.
  • All online courses continue as scheduled.
  • Designated (essential) employees are required to report as directed by supervisors.
  • Non-designated (non-essential) employees who are eligible to telework are expected to work during authorized building closures to ensure continuity of operations.
  • Non-designated (non-essential) employees who are not eligible to telework are not expected to work during authorized building closures.
  • If non-designated (non-essential) employees have no telework agreement but are directed by management to telework during an authorized closing, the supervisor may allow this as long as the employee has the necessary tools that meet system security standards to telework.

CODE GREEN: COLLEGE OPEN

  • NOVA is in normal operating conditions.
  • All classes and services continue as scheduled.

DELAYED OPENING

  • NOVA opens at 11 a.m. for in-person services and courses. Services are not offered in-person or remotely until the college opens.
  • In-person classes due to begin before the college opening are cancelled.
  • In-person classes due to begin after the college opening are held as scheduled.
  • All online courses continue as scheduled.
  • All services offered at off-campus locations, such as military bases, are closed until the college opens.
  • During delayed openings, employees able to telework or work remotely are expected to maintain their normal work schedules.

EARLY CLOSING

  • NOVA closes early and moves to a Code Red status.
  • If the College closes early due to inclement weather, faculty and staff may be provided with specific times they can leave. This will help to ensure a safe and orderly departure from building and campuses.

For more information, visit NOVA’s closure webpage at https://www.nvcc.edu/emergency/closing. If you have questions about this new system, visit our FAQ page or contact your supervisor.

Submitted by:
Kathy Thompson, Communications, KAThompson@nvcc.edu