Dear Members of the University Community,
As you are likely aware, severe weather is forecasted for the region, with heavy snow and cold temperatures expected for Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11.
The University’s Emergency Management Executive Team (EMET) met this week to discuss the situation and to consider how to manage the opening of the semester and all related activities.
Please review the information below carefully and let us know if you have specific questions. We are monitoring the weather closely and will provide updates via email, sewanee.edu, and LiveSafe.
- Undergraduate Student Check-In and Move-In
All residence halls and houses open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. Key cards will be activated at 10 a.m. For students returning after being away for the fall semester, move-in and key pick-up will occur on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Residential Life Office at the Bishop’s Common. Incoming transfer students should continue to check their email for more information about the schedule. Updates will also be posted at orientation.sewanee.edu.
Students are not required to arrive on Saturday and may wait until Sunday, Jan. 12, or Monday, Jan. 13, when weather conditions are expected to improve. If you feel unsafe traveling due to weather, please prioritize your safety and delay your arrival.
- McClurg Dining Hall
McClurg will open on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 5 p.m., offering a limited menu. Full service will resume on Sunday, Jan. 12, at 5 p.m.
- Classes on Monday, Jan. 13
At this point, classes in the College and School of Theology will begin on Monday as scheduled—either in-person or online. That said, even if conditions in Sewanee permit classes to be held in person, College faculty will be asked to excuse students who cannot travel to campus safely and to help them catch up when they arrive. The next update about the modality of classes will be sent on Sunday.
- Beyond the Gates Event
The 21st annual Beyond the Gates: Preparing for Life and Work after Sewanee is scheduled for Jan. 10-11. The Career Readiness + Student Success team has experience pivoting due to weather and will make adjustments as needed. They are in communication with colleagues at Facilities Management and vendors as well as student and alumni participants.
- University Services
As the weather situation develops, some University services could be affected. The status of McClurg and other dining options; Health Services, CAPS, Fitwell; duPont Library, the Fowler Center, and other University facilities and services will be provided via email, sewanee.edu, LiveSafe, and social media.
- University Employees
The University will remain open on Friday, Jan. 10, but most operations are expected to transition to remote work to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. Supervisors will determine whether in-person attendance is necessary for specific roles.
Employees who cannot work remotely are required to use any available accrued leave for the day. This approach ensures essential functions continue while prioritizing your safety.
The following departments are considered essential and will continue in-person operations on Jan. 10: Sewanee Police Department, Volunteer Fire Department, Facilities Management, Sewanee Dining, and Residential Life.
Weather permitting, normal operations are expected to resume on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus soon. In the meantime, please stay safe and take all necessary precautions as we continue to monitor the weather forecast. The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priorities.
Please be sure to check email, sewanee.edu, and LiveSafe for weather updates and the status of University facilities and services. Thank you for your attention and assistance with this matter as we start the new semester.
Sincerely,
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