Local radio station will broadcast delays

As freezing temperatures chill students to the bone, one local radio station is warming up to inform University faculty, students and staff of the latest closings and delays.

WPSU-FM (91.5), the University's National Public Radio station, will broadcast any weather-related closings or delays as soon as University President Graham Spanier makes the decision -- even if it means opening the radio station early.

"We're prepared to provide information as needed even if it means coming into the station at 4 a.m.," said station manager Dave Dzikowski. He said it is important to get the information out early for commuters.

Gary Zellers (sophomore-recreation and park management) said he thinks the announced delays are a good idea.

"It's a good idea to get the closings out early for people who have to commute to campus because they usually have to leave pretty early to get here on time," he said.

WPSU-FM transmits to 14 counties and covers most of the commuting radius. It operates on three frequencies -- 91.5, 90.1, and 106.7 FM. It can also be heard on TCI cable channel 7.

The station only broadcasts school and government closings so it will be able to give more information about closings at the University.

"WPSU agreed to provide more information than saying there is a delay," said Assistant Vice President for Safety and Environmental Services David Stormer. "They will also broadcast such things as which parking areas are plowed and which employees need to report to work."

But students and employees are not likely to see too many closings and cancellations, Stormer said. During the blizzard of 1996, classes were only canceled once.

"Penn State doesn't ever really close," Stormer said. There are always essential services such as running the water and power stations, feeding students and research projects that must be attended to daily.

Employees in essential services and operations must report to work in most cases and should call their supervisors with any questions.

More information is available about time off and time worked when there is an official closing on the World Wide Web at http://www.ohr.psu.edu/pages/policies.htm under Human Resource Guidelines, HRG-10.