President’s Letter

Winter Storm Announcement

February 3, 2022

Good afternoon,

According to the latest forecasts, the freezing rain has stopped, but up to 8 inches of snow could fall before the current weather system dissipates. Combined with temperatures that make it difficult to clear ice-covered walkways, Ohio Wesleyan campus services and academic buildings will remain closed Friday.

Our protocols for tomorrow’s closure will closely follow today’s, with faculty deciding whether to hold classes virtually and contacting their students to let them know whether classes will meet remotely or be canceled. We expect normal campus operations to resume at 8 a.m. Saturday.

For Students

• On Friday, campus dining will be available at Smith Hall only. In response to storm-related staffing issues, fewer choices may be available than normal, but all special dietary needs will be met. Please note: Smith Dining Hall will close at midnight today and reopen at 6:30 a.m. Friday.
• Beeghly Library will remain closed Friday, but is expected to reopen Saturday. The latest hours will be posted online at owu.edu/libraries.
• The Bishop Market in Bradford Milligan Hall will be open with adjusted hours from noon-8 p.m. today and Friday.
• Buildings and Grounds staff will continue to focus snow and ice removal efforts on the residential side of campus. Because streets and sidewalks may remain slick, please exercise caution if you go outside. If you need emergency medical assistance, please call 911.
• The Safe Ride program will not be operating Friday (or anytime a Level 1 weather advisory or above is issued by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.)
• If you must go outside, dress warmly, in layers. Wear a hat and mittens or gloves. See other winter safety tips here.
• Please make sure your phone is charged so you can receive emergency announcements.
• Contingency plans are being made to deal with possible power outages on campus. If power goes down, announcements will be made via the OWU Alert system.
• If you need assistance from OWU Public Safety, please call 740-368-2222. If you need assistance with counseling or a mental health issue, please call our free telephone support service, available anytime day or night at 866-564-1636.

For Employees

• Only essential staff will be on campus Friday. All other staff are asked to work from home as best as they can. Again, please work with your supervisor to determine work that can be accomplished remotely. It is understood that many staff will have other obligations, as area public schools will likely be closed for a second day.
• Hourly staff should work with their supervisor to determine work that can be accomplished remotely and whether hours should be recorded as worked or as “misc” time. Additional information for hourly employees was emailed to employees from the Office of Human Resources yesterday.
• Faculty should inform students as soon as possible about the status of their Friday classes.

Please continue to stay safe and be careful when outside driving, walking -- and maybe even sledding!

Rock Jones
President
Ohio Wesleyan University