Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College rarely cancel or delay classes or events, and closure of the university or college is extremely rare. BSU and NTC have procedures for cancellations and closing which emphasize the safety of our campus communities.
If a weather-related or other emergency is declared by the President, the decision to close or cancel classes will be communicated to employees via several methods, including fac-staff email, the StarAlert system (which includes email, telephone and text-message notifications), as red or yellow site-wide alerts on bemidjistate.edu and/or ntcmn.edu, and via an institution’s official social media channels.
StarAlert text messages can be sent to personal cell phones. Employees are responsible for ensuring their emergency contact information is on file and up to date with Human Resources.
Employees may also be notified directly through processes established by the offices of their respective vice president or dean. Employees should rely only on web, email, StarAlert or media notices which specifically address Bemidji State University or Northwest Technical College. Closures announced by the Commissioner of Minnesota Management & Budget do not apply to Bemidji State University or Northwest Technical College employees.
Campus Closure
In the event of a closure, employees should not report to work and will remain in pay status. Only employees whose positions have been determined to be “essential” will be required to work. Those persons will be notified under separate cover. Essential employees include:
- Director of Public Safety
- Public Safety Officers
- Residence Hall Directors
- Chief Power Plant Engineer
- Stationary Engineers
Information on timesheet coding to account for a closure will be shared by Human Resources. Any employee who is on a pre-approved vacation or medical leave at the time of a campus closure is required to continue using their planned leave. Emergency leave applies only to employees who were scheduled to work but did not report as the direct result of a closure.
For additional information on leave use during campus closures, please contact Human Resources after the campus has been re-opened.
Classes Canceled
An alternative to a total Bemidji State University/Northwest Technical College closure is the cancellation of classes only. In this event, all employees — including faculty — are expected to report for regularly scheduled work hours unless arrangements have been made through a supervisor for approved leave.
Please direct any questions regarding closure to Public Safety, 755-3888; questions on policies regarding closure can be directed to Human Resources Office 755-3966.
Media Notifications
Announcements will also be made through the following media. These media will be notified with the closure and reopening times:
RADIO
KBUN 1450 AM
KKBJ 1360 AM
KKCQ 1480 AM
KBSB 89.7 FM
KB101 101.1FM
KCRB 88.5 FM
KGHS 104.1 FM
KNBJ 91.3 FM
KKEQ 107.1FM
KKCQ 96.7 FM
KAXE 91.7 & 105.3FM
KDKK 97.5 FM
KKBJ 103.7FM
KKZY 95.5 FM
KOZY 101.3 FM
WBJI 98.3 FM
TV
KSTP/KSAX, Minneapolis – Alexandria
KVLY/KVRR/KXJB, Grand Forks – Fargo
WDIO/KBJR, Duluth
KBSU, Bemidji State University
KARE, Minneapolis/St. Paul
KAWE, Northern MN Public TV
WCCO, Minneapolis/St. Paul
OTHER
Bemidji Pioneer