Do true snow days still exist? With the rise of online learning options, many professors have effectively announced that classes will no longer be canceled due to weather – even when doing so contradicts UConn policy.
“If classes are canceled, this applies to all classes — including those online,” a Nov. 9, 2023 University Communications release states. Although clearly detailed by the university, the noncompliance many professors have shown towards the policy has raised questions regarding its enforcement.
In response to instances of in-person classes becoming mandatory online sessions, UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz restated the written guidelines, noting, “The policies were formulated to provide a consistent and predictable approach for students across all campuses and courses.” UConn declined to answer specific questions of policy enforcement.
Some may interpret the university’s unwillingness to respond to the question of enforcement as a doubtful sign, but written policy is firm: cancellations apply to every class, regardless of modality.
Students and professors have conflicting opinions on whether virtual make-ups are a positive addition to their classes, with an ongoing discussion that compares the value of in-class time to students’ ability to modify their schedules.
My professor emailed us saying that ‘snow days were a thing of the past,’ and that we all had to be on a virtual meeting
Alex Rader, fourth semester student.
“My professor emailed us saying that ‘snow days were a thing of the past,’ and that we all had to be on a virtual meeting,” said Alex Rader, a fourth semester student. “The virtual meeting itself wasn’t even at our scheduled class time and by the time he had emailed us about it we had a one hour window to see said email and make arrangements to accommodate him.”
Virtual learning has additionally presented challenges for commuter students, who are often preoccupied with shoveling snow or other chores related to the weather.
When faced with his class being moved online, commuter and fourth semester student Hunter Tortorella noted “Honestly, it wasn’t that helpful. Commuters don’t get the best alternative.”
Some professors, on the other hand, are not so sure that digital lectures are an unsuitable replacement for in-person learning.
“Since UConn doesn’t allow us to post a video for makeup, I wouldn’t do it. However, in order to not shortchange the students, I would still aim to cover the same amount of content for the semester, so it would likely mean eliminating one of the review days for the class. I know recorded lectures aren’t optimal, but depending on the content and the situation, one or two a semester would seem to be potentially beneficial,” Department of Nutritional Sciences Professor Michael Puglisi said.
The definitive source for information regarding cancellations and delays is the UConnALERT website.