The 2024 spring semester saw an interesting start as a wave of snow canceled the first day of classes. Since then, campus has seen both delays and warnings regarding the changing weather.

ETSU is well prepared for events such as these. Through relationships with law enforcement, other institutions, local weather reports, maintenance and more, the university is able to monitor weather in preparation for these drastic changes.

“It’s very hard to have a ‘one fit all’ decision, and we usually all just adapt and work together,” says Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Ross.

Not only do these relationships relay the course of the oncoming snow, but also informs the university of closures in the area. Class cancellations and delays may be determined based on how safe the route to campus is. With a significant number of students and faculty reaching all the way into Virginia, ETSU makes sure to look at a wide span of road closures and conditions before deciding the safety of campus operating as normal.

Photo of the bell tower during the snowfall. (Seneca Rulison/East Tennessean)

“When there are potential weather occurrences or if we’re going through one, there are approximately a 100 to 150 people who work through the night, 24 hours a day, they work hard to make sure students, faculty and staff have safe roads, food, healthcare and safe passage. They do their very best, but there’s still unknowns,” says Ross.

Ross described ETSU operations as a “small city.” When making weather-related decisions, it not only affects classes. The university also has to make arrangements to keep the dining hall open, consider students living in residence halls and keep the numerous professional offices located on campus open. ETSU is also home to the University School, housing students from K-12, as well as clinics, a morgue and a day care. All of which have their own unique operating schedules, procedures and considerations that the university must take into account during harsh weather.

“Whether we’re open, closed or delayed, everyone has to be flexible and adaptable, but what I want everyone to know is that in general, our faculty, staff and students are all wonderful,” says Ross. “They, as a whole, can adjust to anything, are happy about it and are supportive. And that means a lot.”

 

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