UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Classes and most campus activities at Penn State University Park are delayed until 10 a.m. On Tuesday, March 3, due to a forecast of freezing rain and icy conditions across central Pennsylvania. The decision, announced Monday evening, impacts both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as university employees. The delay is intended to ensure the safety of the Penn State community during what officials anticipate will be hazardous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the region, predicting a transition from rain to freezing rain beginning overnight. Slick roads and reduced visibility are expected during the Tuesday morning commute, prompting the university to adjust its schedule. This Penn State News release details the changes and provides resources for students and staff.
Impact on Classes and Academic Activities
The delay affects classes based on their delivery method. All in-person classes scheduled between 5 a.m. And 10 a.m. On March 3 are canceled. Instructors have been advised they may offer asynchronous content, such as recorded lectures or readings, to mitigate disruption. Synchronous remote instruction is generally discouraged except in extenuating circumstances, as outlined in University Faculty Senate policy 45-00.
Hybrid courses with in-person components scheduled during the affected timeframe are likewise canceled, with instructors encouraged to provide asynchronous alternatives. Fully online classes will continue as scheduled without interruption. Students are encouraged to check with their instructors for specific details regarding their courses.
Employee Reporting Guidelines
Penn State has categorized employees based on their essential function during the campus closure. Employees performing “essential” services – those deemed critical to maintaining university operations – are required to report to campus as directed by their supervisors. These employees are eligible for Campus Closure Compensatory Time, according to university guidelines.
All other employees are instructed not to report to perform until normal campus operations resume and will be eligible for Campus Closure Pay, as detailed in Human Resources Guideline 10. Employees are urged to confirm their essential or non-essential status with their supervisors before the inclement weather arrives. Those with questions should contact their unit’s Human Resources consultant.
Specific guidance is provided for employees with varying work schedules: those scheduled to work both before and after 10 a.m. Should report at 10 a.m. For a partial day, eligible for Campus Closure Pay for the earlier portion of their shift; those scheduled entirely within the 5 a.m. To 10 a.m. Window should not report and are eligible for Campus Closure Pay; and those scheduled to begin at or after 10 a.m. Should report as usual.
Campus Activities and Safety Information
All scheduled in-person activities on campus between 5 a.m. And 10 a.m. On March 3 have been canceled. Activities scheduled to begin at or after 10 a.m. Will proceed as planned. University officials emphasize that the decision to delay activities was made with the safety of the community as the top priority.
Penn State is continuing to monitor weather conditions and will provide updates as necessary through Penn State News, the PSUAlert system, and WPSU-FM. Students and employees are encouraged to sign up for PSUAlert notifications to receive timely updates. Information on how to listen to WPSU-FM can be found here.
All members of the Penn State community are reminded to exercise caution and use their best judgment when traveling to campus or considering leaving early during inclement weather. Detailed information regarding weather-related absences is available in the University’s Handling Weather Day Absences policy, Human Resources Guideline 10. Union-represented employees should consult their collective bargaining agreements for specific guidance.
The university will continue to assess the situation throughout the day. The next update regarding campus operations is expected by 9 a.m. On Tuesday, March 3, or sooner if conditions change significantly. Students and employees are encouraged to stay informed through official university channels.
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