By Victor Dixon, Editor-in-Chief
Did you enjoy your snow days?
Newman University closed its campus on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week because of the threat of snow followed by subzero temperatures. (That’s the reason you won’t find a print issue of The Vantage on newsstands this week: Campus was closed on production night.)
Both days that campus was closed, Mabee Dining Hall remained open with altered hours, and professors were given the option to completely cancel class or require virtual meetings or assignments.
The last time campus was closed for weather was Feb. 12, although it was closed only until noon.
How does Newman decide when to close campus?
In instances where going outside or traveling to campus could be dangerous, members of Newman’s administration, including the Vice President of Finance and Newman’s President, consult on a decision, said Director of Security Steve Patton. Decisions about the dining center are coordinated between Dean of Students Andi Giesen and Great Western Dining, which runs food services for Newman.
Classes resumed as normal this morning.
Patton said that students can stay up to date about future campus closures by signing up for the NU Alert System at https://newmanu.omnilert.net/subscriber.php and by watching for information about severe weather conditions from Patton and Giesen in the student body Groupme chat.
Patton and Giesen also are tasked with making sure that students are aware of any extreme conditions, he said.
“I would like to remind everyone to pay attention to their surroundings, including being aware of current and forecast weather conditions,” Patton said. “Be familiar with storm shelter locations, have a cold weather kit for their vehicles, and have a plan for their own safety.”
The next issue of The Vantage will come out on Feb. 27 — a day that’s predicted to have sunny skies and a high of 54 degrees.
