Editor’s note: This message was sent Feb. 16 to members of the UChicago community by Eric M. Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety & Security; and Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University. The message extends a closure previously announced on Feb. 15.
In light of heavy snow accumulations in many Chicago neighborhoods, the President and Provost have extended the cancellation of all in-person classes and non-essential activities at Chicago locations through midnight tonight. The University will re-open and campus activities will proceed as scheduled on Wednesday, February 17.
As a reminder, University employees whose presence on campus is not critical are not expected to come to campus; employees who can perform their jobs remotely should do so. Employees should consult with their supervisors about questions specific to their roles and assignments. UChicago Medicine and Biological Sciences Division personnel who perform essential clinical or other functions will be expected to work.
We continue to advise students, faculty, other academic personnel, and staff to avoid travel and stay inside as much as possible.
As a residential University, many functions will continue during the closure:
- All residence halls and dining commons will remain open.
- Essential safety personnel, including University police and Facilities employees, will provide key services, though security officers will be removed from outdoor posts if temperatures drop to unsafe levels.
- Transportation services, including shuttle buses, will operate on a regular schedule unless conditions make that impossible or unsafe.
- Closures will include all Library facilities, Harper Memorial Library, the Ratner Athletics Center, the Reynolds Club, Ida Noyes, and eateries in those buildings.
- The University of Chicago Medicine will continue to operate its hospitals and clinics, and will continue to communicate about operations with their staff and faculty.
- UChicago Student Wellness will remain open for virtual care only; students should call 773.834.WELL before coming to the Student Wellness Center. All in-person appointments for today will be re-scheduled.
- Please check the University website for continuing updates. Many units will issue additional guidance specific to their school, division, or department.
For students who are experiencing difficulties as a result of the extreme weather (e.g., inadequate winter clothing, transportation problems), please contact Campus and Student Life at 773.702.5243 during regular business hours or submit a request via https://csl.uchicago.edu/about/contact. For immediate attention, phone the Dean-on-Call at 773.834.HELP (4357).
—Prof. Jacqueline Stewart
