Back to Top

In the event of inclement weather or emergencies, the college uses an integrated alert system to keep our community informed about the impact on AACC operations.


Ways to Stay Informed

Text Messaging

Receive updates via AACC’s text messaging system, Omnilert, a service that sends instant messages to cell phones, wireless PDAs and email addresses. Be among the first to know about college closings, event cancellations, traffic advisories and more.

Anyone who has been employed or taken classes at AACC in the last year is automatically enrolled to receive emergency updates (others notifications are available and optional). This service is automatically renewed each year as long as you have an active relationship with AACC. You can log in to your account at any time to change your settings or make updates.

You can update your phone number by visiting the AACC portal, MyAACC. From the menu, select Self-Services > User Options (located on the left sidebar) > User Profile. To receive updates from Omnilert, enter your home or cellular telephone number. Omnilert will be updated with your phone number the following morning.

Other Notifications

In addition to text messaging, AACC’s homepage, Facebook page, Twitter account and outdoor electronic signs are updated with any emergency announcements.

For a recorded message call 410-777-2222, select option 2, then option 1.

Radio and television stations in the Baltimore-Washington metro area are notified and many include updates in their broadcasts and/or websites.


Inclement Weather and Other Emergency Protocols

Effective Dec. 15, 2020

On days with inclement weather, the college plans to continue virtual instruction and staff will work remotely. If weather conditions or another emergency warrants, classes that are scheduled for in-person instruction may be canceled. In this case, the instructor will communicate to their students how instructional time will be made up or how established course learning outcomes will be achieved. Additionally, in the event of widespread power or internet failures, the college may cancel all instruction. Students taking in-person classes at off-site facilities will receive notification from their instructor or the facility coordinator if the facility will be closed.

Options

Online Instruction Continues; In-Person Classes Canceled or Delayed; Campus and Buildings Closed

Instruction: Online classes continue as scheduled; for in-person classes, instructor will provide details regarding rescheduled instruction 
Campus and Buildings: Closed
College Services: Available remotely (online, phone or email)
Faculty/Staff: Remote work; liberal leave in effect for staff
Essential Employees: Report to work, following direction of supervisor

When weather or other emergency events warrant closure or delayed opening of the campus and buildings, but aren’t severe enough to impact student, faculty and staff internet access and power, this option will be used. All college owned and operated buildings are closed. Instruction will be delivered online, as scheduled. For any classes that were scheduled for in-person instruction, the instructor will communicate to their students how instructional time will be made up or how established course learning outcomes will be achieved. Student services will continue, as scheduled, to be offered online and employees are expected to continue to work remotely (liberal leave is in effect). Liberal leave is previously unscheduled annual leave employees may take in the event of extreme weather or a similar emergency, which prevents them from working as usual. Staff should communicate with their supervisor to ensure that adequate office coverage is maintained, as appropriate.

No Instruction; Campus and Buildings Closed

Instruction: Canceled (online and in-person)
Campus and Buildings: Closed
College Services: Not available; self-services available via MyAACC
Faculty/Staff: Do not work, not required to take leave
Essential Employees: Report to work, following direction of supervisor

This option would be implemented for a significant weather or other emergency event that creates widespread internet or power outages in the region when online instruction is not feasible. All instruction is canceled, whether online or in person. Faculty and staff do not work and are not required to take leave.

Early Closing - No Instruction; Campus and Buildings Closed

Instruction: Virtual and in-person classes end early or are canceled 
College Services: Not available; self-services available via MyAACC
Buildings: Closed early for all
Faculty/Staff: Do not work, not required to take leave
Essential Employees: Continue to work, following direction of supervisor

This option would be implemented when an unexpected significant weather or other emergency event occurs while students may be on campus (in-person classes). During an early closing, instruction would end early for all students, including those learning remotely. When the college closes early, students should plan to attend class until closing time. For example, if the college is scheduled to close at 1 p.m., a class scheduled to meet from noon to 2 p.m. would still meet (from noon to 1 p.m.). Should a faculty member find it necessary to cancel an individual class meeting, they will notify the students on the class roster via their AACC email. For any classes that were scheduled for in-person instruction, the instructor will communicate to their students how instructional time will be made up or how established course learning outcomes will be achieved. Both on-campus and remote student services will be closed at the time of early closure. Faculty and staff do not work and are not required to take leave.

Other Information

The college makes every effort to arrive at a decision to delay openings, close early or close completely at the earliest possible time to ensure the safety of the college community.

  • For delays or closings, notifications will generally be made by 5:30 a.m.
  • For a delayed opening, any updates will be provided at least one hour prior to the original planned opening time.
  • For early closing, every effort will be made to announce the decision at least two hours before the early closing time.
  • In the event of a delayed opening, access to the campus and buildings will be allowed 30 minutes prior to the announced start of instruction.