Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.   How will I know if the college is open and what happens if I am unable to access the college website or ansaphone system?

Please check the college website or the official college Facebook page to find out if the college is open, where information will be updated regularly.  Also listen to Beacon Radio (97.2FM), and look at their website.

If you are unable to access either website, Beacon Radio will be contacted as early as possible each day, and the information regarding any closure, will be on the station at the earliest opportunity.

2.   When will the college make a decision to open college during adverse weather conditions?

Following consultation with senior staff and the Principal of King Edwards, The Principal will make a decision around 6.15 am, and will communicate this to Gill Coldicott, AP for Student Support, Recruitment and Safeguarding.

Immediately the decision is made, the college ansaphone/website/Beacon Radio/Facebook page will be updated with the information. 

3.  What happens if I arrive at the college and it is closed for students?

The college will endeavour to open all sites if at all possible, and staff who are able to get to work should attend (you may live near to the College). Staff who live within walking distance to a site should walk to the nearest one and staff who are able to drive, should do so.  Where there is advanced warning of adverse weather and travelling difficulties are anticipated, take work home in agreement with your line manager.

4.   How will I know if the college will be closed for students during the following day?

Decisions will be made by the Principal on a daily basis, following monitoring of weather conditions and through consultation with others.  The process will be as for question 1 above.

5.   Staff only:   If I am able to get to college, how will I know what time to leave the premises?

If the college is announced as ‘closed’, then providing there are no students on site needing advice, guidance or help, senior management on site at that time, will make a decision what time staff should leave.  This should be treated as a normal working day for staff who are able to access college, and for staff working from home.

6. Staff only:    If I am not in college, what am I expected to do?

Where staff are unable to get into college due to adverse weather, they should continue to work at home.  Whilst this is not possible for all job roles, staff are reminded of the available access to college IT systems through Citrix.  Staff should continue to respond to e mails and further guidance should be sought from line managers in respect to work that might be undertaken at home.  If bad weather is expected, then staff should also take work home with them.

7.  Staff only:   What if I am unable to report for work at the normal time through inclement weather

You must call your line manager and report your anticipated absence.  For other reasons, eg, child care, dependants’ needs, leave can be negotiated and taken.  For other reasons (excluding sickness) an agreement must be obtained from your line manager to either a) take annual leave, b) take upaid leave, c) TOIL, d) work from home, with evidence supplied to the line manager of work completed.

8.  Staff only:   How will I ensure that students are not disadvantaged due to missing lectures?

All lessons should be on Moodle.  However, staff should ensure that all relevant lecture notes are posted onto Moodle promptly for any day where either the college is closed, or you are unable to get into work, for students to access immediately.  You should also be available to respond to student queries via email, if possible.

8.   Students only:  will I still be able to claim my EMA?

Provided that the college has announced closure, then any EMA payments will not then be jeopardized.    Should the college remain open, and you are unable to get to college, the college will take into account the weather reports and your area of residence, and will make a decision on an individual basis.

10.   Students only:  What will I do about my academic work/studies/assignments?

Your tutor will ensure that lecture notes are placed on Moodle for you to continue with your studies.  You can liaise with your tutor via email for any further guidance and support.

11.  Staff and Students:  What happens if students are due to take an exam?

Where possible, staff who are able to get in to college on foot, will do so, and invigilators will be available in order for exams to go ahead.  Whilst it may be that venues may need to be changed if access is limited due to adverse weather conditions, students will be informed of any changes, in advance, of any exam taking place.   Where possible, the least disruption for students will be of utmost priority by Stourbridge College. 

For information, contact Student Services Helpline 01383 344400.