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Emergency Messages

RCBC uses text, phone and email messages to notify students, faculty and staff of weather cancellations and campus emergencies.

During an emergency the RCBC website will display important information and updates at the top of every page about the campus status (e.g., weather closures, emergency notifications).

When announcements are made, campus status information may be sent through:

  • Text
  • Phone
  • Email
  • Social Media
  • Website

Students need to update their emergency contact information whenever they change a phone number or email address.

RCBC sends messages via voice, text, and email through a single system capable of reaching all students and staff within minutes during emergencies. Messages are repeated on social media at rcbc.edu.

We do everything possible to make sure students can arrive to campus safely and appreciate your patience during the winter months.

Who decides?
An emergency management committee consisting of several departments such as Public Safety, Operations, Logistics, Academics and Communications, discusses the forecast several times leading up to the storm – often late at night and early into the morning.

When will decisions be made?
Each storm is different. We make every effort to wait as long as possible to announce a closure to make sure we have the most current and accurate information. Of course, the safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top concern. We aim to announce a closure at least two hours before classes begin. Always check rcbc.edu before heading to campus during inclement weather.

What factors are considered?
We use a variety of data besides our ability to clear the campus including:

  • Weather forecasts
  • Emergency management reports
  • Conditions of local roads and communities
  • While we consider the decisions of local schools, government agencies and colleges, we make our decision independently.

How will I be notified?
Once the college president authorizes a closure or delayed opening, announcements will be posted in a number of ways including on the college’s website, phone, email and texts to the college community, local media and the college’s social media platforms. Please make sure your contacts are up-to-date in Self-Service. 

Does everyone stay home during a closure?
Essential personnel, chiefly Public Safety and Facilities, report to work regardless of the weather to ensure the campus is cleared and safe when the weather improves.

Students and staff can update their emergency contact information directly from their Self-Service account.

  1. Log into BaronOne.
  2. Click the Self-Service tile.
  3. Click the User Options icon from the left-hand menu.
User options screenshot

           4. Click the user profile from the drop-down menu.

User profile screenshot
  1. Add/edit/remove the desired contact phone number.