UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Forecasts that include extreme cold have led to the early cancellation of scheduled classes and activities on the University Park campus on Jan. 30, and a cancellation of classes and activities for the entire day on Jan. 31. Normal operations are scheduled to resume at 5 a.m. on Feb. 1, pending a further review of weather conditions by university officials.
Instructions for Jan. 30 early dismissal: For Wednesday, Jan. 30, classes and activities after 4:30 p.m. have been cancelled. Students will be dismissed at 4:30 p.m.; faculty and non-essential staff will be released 30 minutes after the release of students, at 5 p.m. Staggering departure times in this manner helps facilities to remain open until students are able to return to their residence halls or off-campus residences. It also helps to reduce roadway congestion.
Only employees previously identified as performing essential services should stay beyond the official release time, unless advised otherwise by their supervisor.
Instructions for Jan. 31: In addition to cancellation of classes and activities, faculty and staff should not report on Jan. 31 unless previously identified as performing essential services.
University officials will continue to monitor forecasts and on-campus conditions, and will provide additional updates as necessary.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for Centre County, into Jan. 31. Forecasts call for temperatures to drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning, with wind chill values well below zero.
When traveling outside in extreme cold, plan in advance. Wear several layers of clothing, including adequate coverings for the head, face, hands and feet. Penn State University Police and Public Safety reminds all students, faculty, staff and visitors to exercise caution during inclement weather, and to leave extra time for travel.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety, and should use their own best judgment when considering travel during inclement weather. Faculty and staff should review Handling Weather Day Absences (Human Resources Guideline 10) at http://guru.psu.edu/policies/OHR/hrg10.html for specific information on how time missed for weather situations is handled.
Additional information about University Park weather events is available at https://news.psu.edu/story/553204/2019/01/08/campus-life/when-winter-weather-strikes-resources-university-park-community.