Anticipating a heavy snowstorm on Sunday/Monday

Dear faculty, staff, and students:

We are closely monitoring a significant snowstorm expected to impact our area on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26. According to current forecasts for Worcester, heavy snow will begin Sunday morning and last into Monday, with possible accumulations of a foot or more, accompanied by potentially bitter-cold temperatures.  

Our highest priority is to keep our campus and our community safe. Because we are a residential college, it is highly unlikely that the campus will close, however there could be changes to operations. Here is some important information we urge you to read:

• Based on what we know, we are asking staff in non-student-facing roles to work remotely on Monday to help reduce traffic to campus. Everyone, including student workers, should coordinate directly with your supervisors if you have any questions or need further guidance about your role and responsibilities.

• Faculty will determine teaching modality for their classes, following the University’s continuity-of-learning procedures. Students will be advised by their instructors as to whether classes will be held in person or remotely.

• We will keep you informed about any changes to campus operations via Clark Alerts, email, and at ClarkU.edu. To receive Clark Alerts via text and email, you must be signed up. To sign up, go to Clark You and on the welcome page click Clark ALERTS Updater.

• Be prepared. Fully charge cellphones, laptops, battery packs, and other devices. It is possible that heating in buildings on campus may be stressed by the very low temperatures so wear layers and be prepared for cooler than usual interiors.

• If you choose to park on the streets in the neighborhood, we urge you to become informed about the city’s winter parking regulations and parking ban declarations. You can learn more about winter parking in Worcester and sign up for text alerts regarding parking bans.

• Events planned on campus could be impacted. Be sure to check the University calendar, Clark Engage, and program websites for any updates.

Snow clearing by facilities management

Facilities Management will be working hard to clear the campus, with several teams working to cover as much area as possible as quickly as possible. Especially with a significant accumulation, clearing can take some time. Please take caution when maneuvering around campus as some areas will be slippery and snow-covered. 

If you are in need of emergency assistance

If you have an emergency on campus, never hesitate to contact University Police at (508) 793-7575.

Again, we will keep you posted as conditions warrant it. Please stay safe and warm.

Sincerely,

John Magee
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dan Hitchell
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer