Dear Colleagues,
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, we will announce through our communications office the movement of classes from in-person to online delivery using Zoom and remote work for non-essential employees. 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 students 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. If you have questions about setting up a Zoom meeting for your class, we encourage you to contact the faculty technology coordinator assigned to your department for assistance. Please also be flexible with students whose travel to campus this weekend or on Jan. 15 may be disrupted by inclement weather conditions. Additional questions about your personal travel to campus and teaching on Jan. 16 should be directed to the offices of the Dean of the College or the Dean of the School of Theology.
Thank you for your attention and assistance with this matter as we start the new semester.
Sincerely,
Scott Wilson
Acting Provost
