USC Policy HR 1.18 "Hazardous Weather and Emergency Leave" applies to all USC campuses. Implementing that policy, the University of South Carolina Aiken will remain open during normal business hours unless notified to close by the Governor or, in the event of major local weather disturbances or other emergency occurrences, the Chancellor or his designee determines that closing the university is in the best interest of the students, faculty, and staff.  The Governor has the sole authority to excuse employees of state government from reporting to work during extreme weather or other emergency conditions. The Governor will issue a Declaration of Emergency announcing the emergency condition, the geographical area and employees affected.

In the event of hazardous conditions, a Declaration of Emergency, or the potential for such conditions to develop, occurring after hours, the decision should be made by 6:00 a.m. by the Chancellor. In the absence of the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor of Administration, in consultation with the senior administrators of the campus will make the decision. In either case, the USCA Police on duty from midnight until 8:00 a.m. will inform the Director of Police, who will notify the Chancellor or designee of existing conditions and any pertinent information available from local law enforcement or other EMA agencies.  At that time, the Chancellor or designee will notify the USCA Director of Marketing, or other senior administrator, to notify the media.

All messages to the media should be clear and concise. Samples are provided below: 

1.  
   1. The University is closed. Classes have been cancelled and all employees should not report to work.  
   2. All University classes are cancelled. Employees are expected to report for work as soon as safe travel will permit.  
   3. Classes will be held and all employees are expected to report for work.  
   4. The above stated options may be modified to include a specific time that the University will open.

 COMPENSATION DURING DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY

Employees who do not report to work shall use annual or compensatory leave time, take leave without pay, or make other arrangements such as working additional make-up hours at a time to be scheduled by the University. In the event the Governor makes other alternatives available to the University, all employees will be notified.