Brrr! UW-Madison takes on the extreme cold.
In a bold move, UW-Madison has decided to cancel classes on Friday, January 23rd, due to the impending extreme cold weather conditions. This decision was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and staff.
The Cold Front Approaches
The forecast predicts a bitter cold snap, with temperatures dropping to dangerous levels. An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued for Dane County, with wind chills expected to reach -30 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Ouch! That's some serious chill.
A Day of No Classes
All class meetings, from lectures to labs and discussions, are canceled. Students, if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your instructors. It's a great opportunity to catch up on some much-needed rest or tackle that assignment you've been putting off.
Business as Usual for Campus Operations
While classes are canceled, the rest of the campus will continue to function as normal. Employees are expected to report to work unless their ability to do so is affected by the weather. In such cases, employees should communicate with their supervisors and make appropriate arrangements.
Campus buildings will remain open, and services like University Housing, the Wisconsin Union, and food services will operate as usual. Even the UW Athletics events, including Men's and Women's Hockey, are expected to go ahead as scheduled. It's a great chance to show your support and stay warm!
Staying Safe and Informed
For students who need to venture outdoors, remember to limit your exposure and be aware of the risks of frostbite. Bundle up with layers, scarves, hats, and gloves to stay toasty. Utilize Madison Metro for transportation, and keep an eye on their schedules and any potential delays.
Employees, make sure to review the campus Inclement Weather Policies for more information, or reach out to your supervisor or HR representative. To assist with transportation, parking permits won't be required on Friday in specific campus and off-campus lots. Check the campus parking map and lot addresses for more details.
A Note on Campus Closures
It's important to note that only the chancellor or an authorized designee has the authority to suspend additional services or close campus buildings. This decision is not taken lightly and is made with the safety and well-being of the entire community in mind.
Stay Informed and Safe
To stay updated on the weather and any potential impacts, here are some resources:
- Check local weather forecasts regularly.
- Visit the Madison Metro website for transportation updates.
- View Wisconsin road conditions via 511 Wisconsin.
- For tips on managing winter weather impacts, visit the UW Transportation Services website.
And there you have it!
A day of no classes, but with the campus still buzzing with activity. It's a unique situation, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Do you think the decision to cancel classes was necessary? What are your plans for this unexpected day off? Let's discuss!
