WVU will close its Morgantown campus for 24 hours, beginning at 1 p.m. today (Jan. 30).

West Virginia University will close its Morgantown campus and cancel classes beginning at 1 p.m. today (Jan. 30) and reopen at 1 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 31) due to deteriorating conditions and bitterly cold weather predicted in the next 24 hours.

“University officials have been receiving regular updates on the forecast from the National Weather service, as well as consulting with various units on campus to monitor conditions,” Rob Alsop, vice president for strategic initiatives, said. “We determined this morning, based on the latest update, that closing and canceling classes is in the best interest of our students, staff and faculty. Their safety is our top priority.”

Students are urged to stay indoors and be prepared to avoid the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia.

“This is dangerously cold weather, and students need to respect Mother Nature and remain indoors if at all possible,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said.

The Mountainlair, the Student Rec Center and Libraries will close at 4 p.m. today and reopen Thursday at 1 p.m. Students will be able to visit residence hall dining facilities.The Carruth Center will close at 4 p.m. but is always available for emergencies by calling 304.293.4431. The PRT and WVU buses will stop today at 4:30 p.m. and resume operations at noon Thursday.

“We encourage our faculty to be understanding in these circumstances and to make adjustments to course materials, assignments and tests as needed,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Joyce McConnell said.

Some essential WVU services – facility maintenance, snow removal, dining services, safety/security, etc. – will need to continue operations. Employees in those units should report to work as they are able.

“While essential personnel are expected to work their regular schedule during this closure, we encourage everyone to use good judgement,” Vice President of Talent and Culture Cris DeBord said.

Essential employees should work with their supervisors to take annual leave or flex their schedule if they are unable to get to work this afternoon or tomorrow. Supervisors are asked to be flexible and understanding with their direct reports if they are unable to make it to work.

All classes and campus activities will resume Thursday at 1 p.m., unless weather conditions dictate otherwise.

Additional updates will be shared with students and employees through a variety of outlets including: WVU Alert system, MIX email and Unews, students.wvu.edu, MOUNTAINEER E-News and enews.wvu.edu and social media channels such as @WestVirginiaU on Twitter or WVUMountaineers on Facebook, etc.

Students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to review WVU’s inclement weather policy and procedures.

WVU Tech and Potomac State College will make decisions for their respective campuses.

WVU Extension Service will follow its internal inclement weather policy, which can be found at https://employees.extension.wvu.edu/human-resources/current-employees/inclement-weather.

-WVU-

CONTACT: University Relations/Communications

304.293.6997

ak/1/30/19

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