In the event it becomes necessary to close the University because
of an emergency or extraordinary event, such as severe weather,
notice of such a closing or a delayed opening will be available to
the University community through several sources:
- A toll-free number, 1-888-STJ-2499, will carry detailed
information. Please do not call the Office of Public Safety on any
of the St. John’s campuses, as these calls tie up the lines for
safety emergencies.
- The St. John's Web site News
section will carry a written notice with the same information
provided by the 1-800 number given above.
- Area television and radio stations will include St. John’s in
their listing of school closings and delayed openings. These
include WINS 1010 AM and WCBS 880 AM, which make recurring
announcements throughout the day, usually beginning around 5
a.m.
Many have asked how the decision to close the University is
made. During periods of inclement weather, the process to decide
whether to close begins early in the morning. At about 4:30 a.m.,
Denise Vencak, Executive Director of Public Safety and Risk
Management, consults with representatives at each campus to assess
conditions.
That information is communicated to Dr. Julia Upton, Provost,
and Dr. James Pellow, at about 5:00 a.m. Dr. Upton and Dr.
Pellow then consult on the conditions, the forecast and the various
academic activities that are scheduled on our campuses for the day.
A decision is reached, typically, between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m.
(although winter storms are rarely typical!) If the University is
closing, that decision is forwarded to Dominic Scianna, Director of
Media Relations, for public dissemination in local media, on www.stjohns.edu, and 1-888-STJ-2499.
If the emergency or event occurs during business hours, Dr.
Upton and Dr. Pellow consult with their division leaders, Deans and
Vice Presidents, and decide on the best time to close based on
class schedules, exams and other scheduled University
functions.
Questions, please contact:
Dominic Scianna
Director of Media Relations
(718) 990-6185