CU gets a snow day

CU students and faculty are enjoying a “snow day” after it was decided this morning to close campus due to inclement weather.

The provost made the decision early this morning to close campus and cancel classes due to heavy snowfall and dangerous road conditions.

A statue of Ralphie is covered in snow next to Folsom field. Like Raphie, buffalo populations roam around in the snow. (CU Independent/Annie Rumbles)

Malinda Miller-Huey, assistant director of media relations and news services, said that campus officials are still evaluating whether or not to reopen campus tomorrow, based on weather projections.

“They look at current weather conditions, projected weather conditions, road conditions and whether or not people can move to and from campus safely,” Miller-Huey said.

The chancellor, in collaboration with the provost and the chief of CUPD, usually makes the decision by 6 a.m. of the prospective day of closure. The Provost made the decision to close campus today, as the Chancellor is out of town.

The last time CU closed its campus was Dec. 22, Miller-Huey said, although the last time it closed during the semester is undocumented.

“It’s been a number of years since campus has closed while classes were in session,” Miller-Huey said. “It’s not a decision that [officials] take lightly because it’s very disruptive to the campus.”

Certain “essential services” on campus are kept open and personnel are available on campus during days of closure, which includes police officers and staff to keep dining halls functioning.

“When there’s a closure there’s a minimum staffing in order to keep the campus safe,” Miller-Huey said.

The Buff Bus is still in operation until midnight, although with delays as fewer buses are running.

Individuals may receive notification of campus closures through University Communications’ text messaging service and may contact this service at www.colorado.edu/alerts.

The policy on Campus Closing Procedures During Emergencies can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/campus-closing-procedures-during-emergencies.

Contact CU Independent Breaking News Editor Nora Keating at Nora.keating@colorado.edu.

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