The safety of our university community remains the top priority when making decisions during unusually cold weather, like we have recently experienced. University leaders evaluate many variables when determining whether to keep our campus open, to delay classes or even to close. Every year in late fall, we communicate our winter weather guidelines to students, faculty and staff so that they may be prepared for days when we have extreme cold and/or snow.
The subzero temperatures of late require us all to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves from the cold. These precautions range from wearing the proper clothing, such as gloves, hats and boots, to allowing the extra time necessary to commute across and around our large campus. While we make every effort to keep our parking lots plowed, sidewalks salted and buses running, we need your help by exercising good judgment. While Kent State University does not reap a financial benefit from remaining open during inclement weather, we can all agree that keeping students on track to complete their academic curriculum in a timely manner is a top priority, and reaching that goal means sometimes enduring Mother Nature’s toughest days.