By Grace Apostol
News Co-Editor
Following several snow storms in the beginning of the new year, Washington College
welcomes students back for the Spring 2024 semester with new winter weather policies in place.
With the recent closure of the College due to snow on Friday, Jan. 19, the campus is aware of
protocols for winter weather, but may not know the process.
According to Director of Public Safety Chief Ryan Colman, assessment of potential closures
and delays due to weather begins as early as 4:15 a.m.
“I contact the on-duty officer for PS to get their feedback on walkways, roadways on campus
and throughout the town to campus,” Chief Colman said. “After that, I contact the Director of
Buildings and Grounds to get his feedback on campus, as his crews are responsible for clearing
walkways and parking lots, and he gives me his recommendation on if B&G have the time to get
things clear or if they won’t be able to do it in a timely manner due to heavy amounts of
precipitation.”
Once he has connected these departments, Chief Colman reaches out to Vice President Sarah
Feyerherm to discuss the “recommendations” of both B & G and Public Safety.
“At this time, [Feyerherm] and I come to a decision, and I contact VP Brian Speer of
Marketing and Communications to send out the MARCOMM message and update the college
website,” Chief Colman said.
After all decisions are made, Chief Colman sends out a WAC alert to the campus with a brief
message of whether the College is delayed or closed.
“We do our best to have a full decision out by 05:30 a.m. and in some circumstances would
probably make a decision the night prior, but that would be for large winter storms or things of
that nature,” Chief Colman said.