Slow start to the semester

Claire Fodell

Grand Valley State University closed all campuses on Monday and Tuesday due to extreme weather.

According to GVSU’s Emergency Closing Policy, the factors that determine when to cancel classes are the ability of the road crews to keep campus roads and parking lots cleared, the conditions of roads in the area as reported by the State Police as well as the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority, and weather reports regarding the track of storm and weather conditions.

Tim Thimmesch, associate vice president of Facilities Services, said these factors are exactly what GVSU looked at before making the decision.

“We looked at first the extended forecast, the road conditions and the ability of our crew to be able to keep campus safe,” Thimmesch said.

Facilities and the Department of Public Safety work together to research the conditions, but the administration makes the official call.

Although two days of classes were missed, it is currently unknown how or if the class periods will be made up.

“Normally that is determined by the Provost Office later in the semester,” Thimmesch said.

When weather conditions become extreme, the emergency closing policy advises not to call the university or DPS for answers, but instead to listen to local television and radio stations for information. If an announcement is made that classes are canceled, GVSU staff still reports, but all classes and activities will not be held.