Memo #5—Weather-Related Challenges

To: The University of Arkansas Academic Community

From: Bob Smith, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

This is the fifth in a series of memoranda about weather challenges and University-related activities during the period, December 12-15, 2000. Today, the University is open and final exams are being administered. However, several students and parents have e-mailed or called with concerns about dangers they perceive relative to driving conditions. While we note that roads are passable on campus and the University Transit System is operating, students and parents from towns such as Bentonville, Berryville, and Rogers have expressed concern about road conditions in their immediate areas. Thus, I am asking that we all empathize with one another’s situations as we proceed to serve the good of the majority of our students.

I have been reminded several times this week how important the assignments of grades are to students continuing to qualify for scholarships. Thus, we have been concerned about inordinate postponements of final exams. Nevertheless, individual travel challenges can be significant, thus, I am requesting that our faculty consider students’ judgements of apparent travel exigencies in accommodating requests for possible make-up exams—particularly for those exams that are scheduled for today, Friday, December 15, 2000.

We will continue to monitor conditions and assess challenges as they arise.

We will greatly appreciate the UA community’s continuing full cooperation in serving the overall needs of our students. For all students, faculty and staff—please watch our website (http://www.uark.edu/) and be alert to messages on radio and television regarding possible additional advice about scheduling and other information during the next few days.

We do continue to think positive thoughts about all of our students, faculty and staff members as we push forward through our last week of University obligations and wish all in our community a most joyous and safe holiday period.

If there are questions regarding this or my previous memos on this topic, the questions may be directed to me at 479-575-5457 or at my home number: 501-973-4459.

Kind regards.