Students slept in a little later than usual on Jan. 26, after Villanova University called its first snow day of the year due to inclement weather conditions.
Pennsylvania was only one of a dozen states slammed by the historic winter storm that swept the nation. The accumulation of over 12 inches of snow and temperatures as low as 3° factored into the University’s decision to cancel classes completely.
The Villanova community can expect winter weather to continue to impact their semester and maybe even get another day or two off of class.
“Snow day decisions are made through a collaborative process, with the Provost, the Vice President for Facilities Management, Director of Grounds, and other University leaders weighing conditions and operational considerations before reaching a consensus,” Villanova’s director of Public Relations, Krissy Woods, said.
The University considers many factors when deciding whether to close or remain open following periods of inclement weather. The storm’s onset time, intensity and duration, as well as the condition of travel routes and campus walkways, are all heavily weighed.
“A delayed opening is preferable to closing for an entire day,” Villanova’s official policy states.
While the University is committed to “avoiding school closings due to inclement weather whenever possible,” it acknowledges “first and foremost that the safety of its faculty, staff, and students is always top priority.”
While most staff members get the day off, some are required to come to campus to ensure campus operations carry on.
“Certain essential personnel continue working during weather closures to maintain critical campus operations,” Woods said. “This may include staff from the Student Health Center, Public Safety, Grounds Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance Services, Custodial Services, Dining Services, and other areas as required to support campus operations and safety.”
On days where inclement weather threatens traditional scheduling, Villanova works hard to alert students and faculty of its decision as early as possible, usually around or before 6 a.m.
The decision is typically issued through the University’s NOVA Alert system, the snow and emergency number (610-519-7744) and posted to the University website by 6 a.m.
In certain cases, the University may initially announce a delayed opening and later make a decision to cancel classes in the event of worsening conditions. In such situations, a “closing announcement” normally would be made by 8:30 a.m.
”The University advises its faculty, staff, and students to recheck announcements again before leaving for school,” per the University’s website.
Regardless of whether the University closes due to inclement weather, Villanova’s snow day protocol remains unchanged.
“The Office of Facilities Management leads snow response efforts and operates around the clock during inclement weather,” Woods said. “Their teams handle plowing, shoveling, salting, and treating walkways, roadways, and key campus areas to help ensure conditions are as safe as possible.”
Learning more about Villanova’s snow day procedure can help students better anticipate snow days in the future.
