Campus Closure Announcement

*Edited on 1/30/19, 6:30 PM

Due to the dangerous conditions of extremely low temperatures combined with high winds (wind chills predicted between 40 and 50 below zero), we will be closing the campus at 10 pm on Tuesday, January 29 with plans to resume regular operations and regular class schedules on Thursday, January 31 at noon. On Thursday, residential dining facilities will operate under regular hours, The Markin Center, library and student center will open at noon, and employees are expected to report at their regular starting times.  

All campus facilities will be closed during this time except for residence halls, residential dining halls, and the campus police department.  This means the Markin Center, library, bookstore, and student center will all be closed. Residential dining will operate on modified hours on Wednesday, January 30:

• Geisert Dining Hall will be open from 8am-8pm
• Williams Dining Hall will be open from 10:30am-7pm
• Center Court will be open from 10:30am-8pm

Students will need to reach out to their faculty to manage class assignments and responsibilities during this time. 

Essential personnel should check with their supervisor for specific instructions.

People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes.  Safety is of the utmost importance during these conditions and it is recommended that you not be outside during this weather. We are closing the campus, including the Markin Center, library, bookstore, and student center, precisely because it would be dangerous for people to be out in the elements except as absolutely necessary.  Students, please take this seriously and do not plan on being out in the snow or running about town.  Stay inside your residences and venture out only if absolutely necessary.

When we reopen Thursday morning, it will still be bitterly cold (although not nearly as windy and the temperature will rise quickly), so as you make your way to campus and to class be sure to bundle up in layers, cover as much of your body as possible, and hustle to your destination as quickly as possible while being mindful of possible slippery conditions in places.

Please look at these safety tips from the national weather service to protect yourself, your pets and your property.

• Do not go outside unless you must.
• Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Try to seek shelter from the wind as much as possible while outside. Once inside again, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet.
• Understand and watch for frostbite and hypothermia. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.
• If you have pets, make sure they have plenty of food and water and are not overly exposed to extreme cold.
• Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze.  Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes and opening cabinet doors will help.
• Get any necessary groceries ahead of time.
• Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.