Winter weather can be vicious in Wayne, America and those in the community may wonder why there aren’t more snow days.

While many forget how to drive when an inch of snow covers the ground, Wayne State College administrators may forgo the warnings and keep campus open, relying on everyone to use their best judgment if commuting.

It’s not as easy as one might think. Calling a snow day takes consideration and evaluation.

If a storm occurs during the week, when most students are already on campus, WSC usually will not cancel classes or activities. If it happens when students are away from campus, such as on weekends or holidays, WSC will cancel classes so students don’t have to risk the drive back to campus.

Another factor that goes into consideration is whether there is a need or potential for rescheduling or accommodating the cancelled class or event.

Dr. Jeff Carstens, Vice President and Dean of Students, is the one to make the decision to cancel classes or events in consultation with Dr. Michael Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. If closing the entire campus is a consideration, President Curt Frye will make the decision.

Carstens said he looks at the National Weather Service forecast for advisories and alerts. He also reviews the Nebraska Department of Roads to check road conditions.

“If the campus can be cleared off by 8 a.m., classes will not be cancelled,” Carstens said. “If we still need people off the streets to continue clearing, then a late start will be announced.”

The decision is not made until the morning. Then the conclusion will be announced through radio, television, social media and on WSC’s website.

Even if a snow day has been decided, administrative offices, residence halls, food services, the student center, the library and the recreation center remain open.

According to the Nebraska Association of Public Employees (NAPE) union contract, if classes are canceled, all employees, except for those who provide emergency or other essential services, are entitled to take “inclement weather leave” if it is impossible for them to make it to campus. If an employee does take leave, it is charged against vacation time or they have to make up the day within 30 days.

If the entire campus is closed, an absence will not be counted.

Those who provide emergency or other essential services include those such as security, energy plant employees, and ground keepers. They are required to report to work, but will be allowed comparable time off on an alternate date mutually agreed upon by the supervisor and the employee.

“If there are staff members already on campus, it may affect the cancellation of classes in conjunction with the weather forecast, road conditions and location of students and staff,” Carstens said.