Dear Students,
I write to you regarding forecasts for potentially severe weather on Jan. 15-17. At the time of writing, the Weather Channel forecasts an 80% chance of snow in Sewanee on Jan. 15 with accumulations of 3-5 inches. On Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures on the Mountain are predicted to remain below freezing levels, which may affect snow removal and road conditions. In other parts of the country, forecasts anticipate more severe weather.
Working with the Sewanee Police Department, the administration will continue to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions in and around Sewanee. If road conditions are deemed too dangerous for travel in the days ahead, the administration will announce the movement of classes from in-person to online delivery using Zoom. The administration anticipates making a decision on the capacity for in-person classes and work by the end of the day on Monday, Jan. 15, but if conditions worsen by the morning of Jan. 16, we will communicate with the Sewanee community early that day on any change of plans. We ask that you remain alert to our messages concerning road conditions and how instruction will be delivered.
We will communicate with faculty about the administration’s determinations on whether courses will be delivered online. We encourage you to prepare for potential online delivery of your courses on Jan. 16 and to watch for communication with your faculty members about Zoom links for class sessions that may be affected by the weather.
We also recognize that many students have not yet traveled to campus, and we encourage you to remain vigilant about road conditions as you make your way back to campus. If your travel to campus is disrupted by inclement weather and hazardous road conditions, we encourage you to contact your instructors and proctors. Food service through Sewanee Dining will begin late afternoon today.
Thank you for your attention and assistance with this matter as we start the new semester. Please pay attention to your personal safety as you return to Sewanee.
Sincerely,
Scott Wilson
Acting Provost
