Winter Storm Fern: WVU's Response
In a bold move to prioritize safety, West Virginia University (WVU) has taken decisive action in response to Winter Storm Fern. The university has announced the cancellation of all in-person classes and the closure of most on-campus operations for Monday, January 26th. This decision was made to ensure the well-being of students, staff, and the wider community during this challenging weather event.
But here's where it gets controversial... while the campus will be closed for regular operations, employees with remote or hybrid work options are encouraged to continue their duties from home. This decision has sparked discussions about the balance between ensuring safety and maintaining productivity during extreme weather conditions.
And this is the part most people miss... essential on-site employees are advised to communicate with their supervisors to determine their work status during the closure. This highlights the importance of clear communication and flexibility in such situations.
Online classes, however, remain unaffected, allowing students to continue their studies remotely. This decision ensures continuity in education while keeping everyone safe.
The university's decision aligns with guidance from Monongalia County emergency officials, who urge people to stay off the roads during the storm. University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair emphasizes the hazardous road conditions and the potential risks to drivers and first responders.
For those working in patient care or clinical rotations at WVU Health Sciences, specific instructions for Monday, January 26th, should be obtained from their respective deans, program directors, or clinic managers. AllWVU Dental clinics will be closed, and the parking shuttle service for HSC employees will not operate on Monday.
Facilities Management is working tirelessly to clear snow from university property, collaborating with off-campus crews from the West Virginia Division of Highways, Monongalia County, and the City of Morgantown. Associate Vice President for Facilities Operations, Charles "Chuck" Roberts, acknowledges the challenges posed by the storm and the need for patience as they navigate through the extreme cold temperatures.
University sites, including dining facilities, scheduled to open on Monday, will operate with limited hours to accommodate student and community needs. The WVU Visitors Center will remain closed on Monday, January 26th.
As of now, the university plans to resume regular operations at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27th. However, university officials are closely monitoring weather reports and local conditions, with the possibility of further updates.
Necessary updates will be communicated through various channels, including the WVU Safety Notification System, MIX email, students.wvu.edu, ENews email, and social media accounts such as @wvusafetyofficial on Instagram, @WVUsafety on X, and the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page.
WVU Institute of Technology and WVU Potomac State College have also announced closures for Monday, January 26th, while WVU Extension will follow its internal inclement weather policy.
This WVU Alert is part of the university's three-tiered emergency notification system, ensuring that the WVU community stays informed and safe during such events.
-WVU-
MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu
For the latest WVU news and updates, call 1-855-WVU-NEWS or visit WVUToday.
