Hoping for a snow day? It’s a frost cause.
Historically, the University of Wisconsin administration’s frozen heart has shown little mercy to frigid Badgers hoping for a lucky break. Just take a look at the UW Twitter feed after any snowfall:
@zwagsaf pic.twitter.com/vOQ8mfUK0S
— UW-Madison (@UWMadison) February 2, 2016
Given its position in the frozen north, UW can’t afford to be merciful to the cold.
“Operating a university in the middle of a Wisconsin winter means that we’re not able to cancel classes anytime there is accumulating snowfall or below zero temperatures,” John Lucas, a UW spokesperson, said in an email to The Badger Herald. “And it is exceedingly rare for the university to close, as many functions of campus operations are essential and must be maintained.”
Class cancellations due to weather are indeed exceedingly rare. According to data provided by UW, there have been only 10 cancellations in the past 50 years.
UW has no official policy regarding cancellations. The university evaluates every severe weather situation on a case-by-case basis, Lucas said. Ultimately, it is the chancellor’s decision, with input from University Health Services, Facility Planning and Management, the provost, human resources and UW Police Department, he said.
The prospects for a snow day don’t look too bright, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed regardless.
