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Chancellor's Message: Feb. 23-25 Weather Closure
Update regarding Feb. 25 closure:
Dear colleagues and students,
As indicated in the message sent yesterday, I have continued to monitor weather conditions, road conditions, and other general conditions that lead to decisions about campus closures.
Though precipitation is expected to end today, the overnight low of 17 degrees is likely to create treacherous driving conditions into midday Friday. With this in mind, I have made the decision to once again cancel campus operations for Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.
Activities planned on the UAFS campus this weekend will continue as scheduled (unless
otherwise announced by the hosts). Our grounds maintenance crews will clear lots and
sidewalks to ensure travel between buildings is safe. Still, anyone traversing campus
should be cautious – walking and driving slowly and with care.
University of Arkansas Fort Smith
Dear colleagues and students,
This morning the National Weather Service continued the Winter Storm Warning issued for Sebastian County, due to heavier than predicted sleet and freezing rain.
When speaking with UAFS Chief Ottman, our liaison who attends the NWS briefings, I learned that we can anticipate similar, treacherous conditions for the remainder of the day and throughout the day on Thursday. Thus, I have made the decision to close campus and cancel all classes typically held in-person for Thursday, February 24, 2022.
Campus buildings will be locked with the exception of the Boreham Library 24-hour lab, the Lion’s Den dining hall and campus housing.
Classes typically held online will meet at their regularly scheduled times unless the class is otherwise notified by the faculty member of a cancellation.
Employees who have questions about their specific work should contact their direct supervisors. Similarly, students who have concerns about their ability to complete classes online due to power outages or other weather-related issues should contact their faculty as soon as possible.
The best way to receive information regarding inclement weather and other emergency operations is Lions Alert, the university’s emergency notification system.
We will continue to send official campus updates via university email, the UAFS webpage
will temporarily have notices regarding changes to campus operations, and we will
post updates on social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.)
Other Recommendations:
- Power outages frequently occur during inclement weather. In anticipation of loss of power, keep cellular devices charged in case you need to make emergency calls.
- Do not turn on a vehicle in an enclosed garage in order to get warm or to charge a phone. Carbon monoxide poisoning from the fumes can easily harm or kill people in the car or home.
- Keep flashlights with new batteries handy, use candles if necessary.
- Check the NWS or RedCross websites for additional winter weather preparation tips.
- Fort Smith Police Department emphasized their concerns about icy road conditions through
social media posts in which they shared that they had responded to many calls of vehicle
collisions due to the sleet and ice. Please check road conditions at: IDrive Arkansas
University of Arkansas Fort Smith
Dear colleagues and students,
This afternoon the National Weather Service elevated the Winter Storm Watch issued earlier today to a Winter Storm Warning, with potential for ice, sleet and freezing rain. This type of precipitation has a high potential to impact travel and may cause power outages and other operational challenges.
The UAFS Emergency Management Team has made the decision to close campus and cancel all classes typically held in-person for Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022. We will announce a decision regarding Thursday operations by 5 p.m. tomorrow.
This is not a remote pivot. Employees will be paid using Inclement Weather Leave, which will be added to Workday by Department of Human Resources. Employees should NOT enter their own inclement weather leave.
Campus buildings will be locked with the exception of the Boreham Library 24-hour lab, the Lion’s Den dining hall and campus housing.
Classes typically held online will meet at their regularly scheduled times unless the class is otherwise notified by the faculty member of a cancellation.
Employees who have questions about their specific work should contact their direct supervisors. Similarly, students who have concerns about their ability to complete classes online due to power outages or other weather-related issues should contact their faculty as soon as possible. Additional information is below:
University Police will remain on campus to assist with emergencies and will continually evaluate the condition of roads and sidewalks on campus. UPD can be contacted at their non-emergency line: 788-7140 or upd@uafs.edu.
The Boreham Library will be closed. Students will still have access to the 24-hour lab.
Tests scheduled for in-person classes will be rescheduled. Testing scheduled for fully-online classes is likely to continue as scheduled if technology allows.
Each housing facility will have a resident assistant on call throughout the closure to assist with resident needs. The Housing Office will be open to receive mail and assist students Wednesday.
The Lion’s Den Dining Hall will transition to Brunch (10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dinner (4:30-6 p.m.) hours, and the Campus Center Food Court will close.
Athletes will receive direct communication from coaches or department leaders regarding events scheduled on campus or competitions occurring off-campus.
Updates:
The best way to receive information regarding inclement weather and other emergency operations is Lions Alert, the university’s emergency notification system.
We will continue to send official campus updates via university email, the UAFS webpage will temporarily have notices regarding changes to campus operations, and we will post updates on social media accounts.
We will continue to monitor the weather and send updates to our operations. Thank
you for your patience, and stay safe, Lions!
- Tags:
- Weather Alert
- Inclement Weather
- Campus Announcements