Despite forecasted wind chills near -40 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday, the University of Wisconsin announced plans to remain open and continue classes as usual.
We’re open, but recognize it’ll be very cold. Contact your supervisor/instructor if you can’t make it in. #WIWX http://t.co/k0LdMDwUFt
— UW-Madison (@UWMadison) January 26, 2014
Madison Metro buses are expected to operate normally, according to a UW statement. However, if the buses are unable to run, the decision to keep campus open would be re-evaluated, University Communications spokesperson John Lucas said.
Madison Metro Spokesperson Mick Rusch said buses are winterized in the fall to prepare for frigid cold weather. He said delays are usually caused by snow or ice and do not happen very frequently.
If people can travel safely to campus, the buildings are accessible and heated, so UW wants to stay open and provide instruction, Lucas said. Students paying tuition have a right to services they are paying for, he said.
UW does not want people to endanger students and are allowing for flexibility if students are unable to get to classes safely, Lucas said.
Instructors are also expected to be flexible with attendance policies, the statement said.
Hot cocoa will also be served in Bascom Hall’s rotunda during the day until supplies are gone.
But all this hasn’t stopped some students from taking to Twitter as an appeal to UW to cancel classes.
Let’s be real it’s going to be -30 out tomorrow. There’s no way we should be having class. It’s just unsafe @UWMadison #CancelClass
— Charlie Hoffmann (@choffmann10) January 26, 2014
Monday= high of -10, low of -22 and @UWMadison is not canceling classes. THAT IS JUST WRONG #TORTURE #POLARVORTEX why do i go here?
— Samantha Gordon (@samanthaagordon) January 25, 2014
@UWMadison I live over a mile from campus with no access to the bus. I don’t have clothes for -50 wind chills. I fear for my safety. Unfair
— Erik Larson (@ErikLarson13) January 26, 2014
Other students are just tweeting to find out if classes are still scheduled.
@UWMadison y’all canceling school tomorrow or nah?
— Ant (@AyyoAnt) January 26, 2014
In its replies, @UWMadison has emphasized professors “are expected to grant flexibility,” encouraging students to contact professors if they do not want to go to class tomorrow.
@Lo_Mather Instructors are expected to grant flexibility. Contact them or your dept. chair if this isn’t the case.
— UW-Madison (@UWMadison) January 26, 2014
@svdbythebella Not the case— if you don’t feel you can travel safely, contact your instructor. Flexibility is expected.
— UW-Madison (@UWMadison) January 25, 2014
One of the reasons they’re staying open, UW said in some tweets, is that students pay tuition and expect to get the value they pay for.
@AllieLimb_Key Students pay $ for tuition— we stay open to provide as much value as possible.
— UW-Madison (@UWMadison) January 26, 2014
@halleleonard We want to provide value for your tuition. If you don’t want to come in, contact your instructor. We’re flexible.
— UW-Madison (@UWMadison) January 26, 2014
Even still, some students questioned the flexibility UW said would be provided.
so basically it’s fail vs. frostbite, because let’s be honest, flexibility is out the window…. @UWMadison
— Lauren Droste (@lorodroste) January 26, 2014
@UWMadison @emilyhoso We have no flexibility when it comes to having a lab on those days.
— Hannah Danielle (@Hann_Vann) January 26, 2014
Are you headed outside today? Send us a Snapchat of you in your full cold weather survival ensemble to badgerherald or tweet us @BadgerHerald. We’ll be reposting the best outfits from brave souls throughout the day.
