Snow or Ice, Some Parts of University Never 'Close'

Photo Submitted

A facilities management worker clears the road following a 2010 snow storm in Jan. 2010.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A chance of snow, sleet and freezing rain is in the forecast, and if the forecast comes true the University of Arkansas community could get an Inclement Weather message that classes are delayed or canceled and offices are opening late or closed.

That doesn’t mean the university will be closed.

More than 5,000 students live in residence halls on campus, or in fraternity or sorority houses, and as long as they are there, no matter the weather, many operations of the University of Arkansas are open, and many services are still needed.

University Police

The crime rate usually drops during bad weather, but traffic problems, pedestrian injuries and other emergencies require the UAPD to keep a full patrol and communications staff on duty, even when most other campus offices are closed.

Facilities Management

Facilities management crews are on the job seven days – and nights – a week, whatever the weather conditions. Their work often starts before the first snowflake falls. Crews pre-treat roads and sidewalks with brine solution when there is a strong threat of a snow or ice storm. Once a storm hits, workers are responsible for clearing snow and ice from streets, sidewalks and parking lots on campus. If the electricity goes out anywhere on campus, facilities crews work with local utility companies to get the power restored. The same applies for problems with heat or water. If a storm causes damage to any part of campus, from trees to buildings, facilities management is responsible for making repairs and cleaning the area. Custodians also remain on duty to identify and report problems in their buildings, help with repairs and keep the building entrances clear and safe.

Housing

University Housing staff also prepare for winter weather before it hits, stocking residence halls and warehouses with necessary supplies. The staff members are considered essential by the university and report for work regardless of the weather to perform their everyday duties, deal with emergency situations and make sure students are safe in the residence halls. 

Dining Services

In the three resident dining halls, Brough Commons, Pomfret and the Northwest Quad, student meals are still served, even if classes are delayed or canceled. Dining halls might not open until 8 a.m., and menus may be limited at times, but the goal is for students to get their meals with no more than minor inconvenience.

Other food service operations on campus, such as the Arkansas Union Food Court, the various coffee shops and convenience stores, The Hill at Maple Hill, Quizno’s, Papa John’s, and Einstein Brothers Bagels @ Walter B. Cole Cafe are generally closed the first day that classes are canceled, but every effort is made to get them back open if the cancellations continue for a second day.

Students can find out what is open and when by checking the website http://www.dineoncampus.com/razorbacks/ or the Chartwells Dining University of Arkansas on Facebook.

Arkansas Union

University Recreation operates the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building and has the goal of keeping this facility available to on-campus members in all types of the weather. For example, if the university cancels classes due to snow, the HPER Building will still be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. The HPER pool and the Outdoor Connection Center will also be open but operate on a reduced schedule. A detailed UREC inclement weather schedule is available at http://urec.uark.edu.