As we reported earlier to the University of Georgia campus community, we are continuing to monitor the potential development of a major winter storm this weekend that is expected to bring a significant amount of ice accumulation, high winds and rapidly dropping temperatures to our area. While we anticipate being closed on Monday, January 26, we cannot make that decision with certainty at this point.
However, we can state that at best, there will be no in-person classes on Monday, Jan. 26. In that scenario, faculty members are expected to ensure continuity of instruction for classes through alternative means such as online lectures (which may be asynchronous), readings, assignments, or other instructional activities, which are clearly communicated to students. Faculty are encouraged to communicate their alternative plan for Monday to their students as soon as possible.
This scenario would be moot, however, if we encounter the challenges that are anticipated—widespread power outages, ruptured pipes, hazardous driving conditions, etc. In that scenario, the University’s main campus would be closed. It would be impractical to attempt online instruction when power and connectivity are unreliable.
With this additional information, University Housing renews its call to encourage students to return home for the weekend after their classes conclude today, if possible.
Residence halls will remain open for students who choose to stay, but if there are power outages, water line breaks or other complications from the storm, University Housing may need to consolidate those who remain on campus into a limited number of temporary housing areas with emergency heat and meal services.
Additionally, the University has now determined that non-essential facilities such as the Tate Student Center and Ramsey Center for Student Activities will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.The University Libraries (Main Library, Miller Learning Center and Science Library) also will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Campus dining halls and Campus Transit will offer regular weekend service until conditions warrant otherwise. Check here for updates on Saturday and Sunday:
- Dining Services: https://dining.uga.edu
- Transportation and Parking Services: https://tps.uga.edu
If the campus is closed or moves to an alternative learning model, only essential personnel—employees who have been identified by their department or unit as critical to the maintenance and operations of the University, particularly providing essential support to students—are expected to report to work unless conditions prevent safe travel.
Again, we anticipate being closed on Monday or, at a minimum, pivoting to online instruction. We are continuing to monitor conditions and will provide a final decision on Monday’s status by early Sunday afternoon, at the latest.
The University of Georgia continues to monitor the development of the winter storm heading toward our area very closely. Based on updated weather models, we are expecting a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and/or snow to begin moving into the Athens area on Saturday afternoon, continuing into Sunday. The latest models indicate strong potential for significant ice accumulation, high winds and rapidly dropping temperatures. We have been advised that the Athens area should prepare for dangerous travel conditions, as well as potentially widespread and prolonged power outages.
The safety of our campus community is our top priority. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging students to return home for the weekend after their classes conclude on Friday, if possible.
Given the latest forecasts, we anticipate being closed on Monday. However, we are continuing to monitor conditions and will provide an update to the UGA community early Sunday afternoon regarding our status for Monday, January 26.
Residence halls will remain open for students who choose to stay, but if there are power outages, water line breaks or other complications from the storm, University Housing may need to consolidate those who remain on campus into a limited number of temporary housing areas with emergency heat and meal services. For on-campus residents who stay in University Housing this weekend, please contact your community front desk or RA with any questions or concerns. If you become aware of any facilities-related problems, please report them.
Dining halls will maintain normal operating hours, and Campus Transit will continue to provide regular service until weather conditions warrant otherwise. Check here for updates on Saturday and Sunday:
- Dining Services: https://dining.uga.edu/about/policies.
- Transportation and Parking Services: https://tps.uga.edu/transit/policies-documents/inclement-weather/
Similarly, the University Libraries, Tate Student Center, Ramsey Student Center and other Recreational Sports facilities will be open, unless otherwise noted on their respective websites, although operational hours may be modified as weather conditions change. Students, faculty and staff should check the following websites for the most current information and any operational updates throughout the weekend:
University Libraries: https://libs.uga.edu
Tate Student Center: https://tate.uga.edu
Ramsey Student Center and Recreational Sports: https://recsports.uga.edu
Please continue to check emergency.uga.edu or UGA’s social accounts, including UGA’s X (@universityofga), for updates and other safety information.
Faculty, staff and students at UGA’s extended campuses should follow local directions specific to their locations.
Should the University ultimately need to close over the weekend, essential personnel—employees who have been identified by their department or unit as critical to the maintenance and operations of the University, particularly providing essential support to students—will be expected to report to work unless conditions prevent safe travel. Essential personnel should contact their supervisors for additional information.
There is no time like the present to prepare for the potential impact of the storm this weekend. If you have not already done so, please verify your emergency contact information at ugaalert.uga.edu to ensure your ability to receive emergency messages.
Here are additional resources to help keep yourself safe:
- Monitor weather updates at https://www.weather.gov/ffc
- Review winter weather preparedness tips at https://gema.georgia.gov/winter
- Review individual preparedness information at prepare.uga.edu
- Keep your cell phone charged
- Download the UGA Safe app, the official safety app for UGA, at prepare.uga.edu/uga-safe