Dear Campus Community:
Extremely cold weather will move into the Wooster area tonight, and the National Weather Service is forecasting daytime temperatures tomorrow between -3 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit, and wind chills of -25 to -30. In these weather conditions, exposed skin can begin to show signs of frostbite in as little as 10 to 15 minutes outside.
To reduce the amount that students have to move around campus under these conditions, the college, like nearly all of our peers in the region, is cancelling all classes on Wednesday, January 30. All co-curricular activities and athletic practices are also cancelled.
There is no snow in the forecast, either overnight or during the day tomorrow, and local authorities have issued no travel advisories. College offices will be open for business as usual, and staff who wish to remain home on Wednesday may take a vacation day to do so. Those who choose to do so must communicate in advance with their supervisor.
Other details as follows:
- Academic buildings, including the libraries, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Lowry Center will be open as usual from 7 a.m. to midnight.
- Lowry Dining will be open as usual from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Mom’s will close at midnight instead of 2 a.m.
- Knowlton Café, Old Main Café, and Pop’s will be closed.
- The C-Store will be open as usual.
- The Scot Center will be open as usual.
The two scheduled intercollegiate athletics contests – men’s and women’s basketball – will go forward as planned.
If students experience heating problems in their residential space, they should contact the Service Center at 330-287-3500, between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Outside of those hours, please contact Security and Protective Services at 330-263-2590.
Remember, in these weather conditions, exposed skin can begin to show signs of frostbite in as little as 10 to 15 minutes outside, so it is extremely important to dress appropriately. The key is to limit your time outdoors and dress in layers of clothing, including thick socks and warm shoes or boots, gloves or mittens, a hat covering head and ears, and a scarf covering the face. As staff prepare to come into work tomorrow, remember that the priority is dressing warmly. Standard office attire can wait until the thermometer climbs back above zero and the wind calms down.
Be careful out there, and stay warm.
On behalf of the Emergency Steering Committee,
Chief of Staff and Secretary of the College