Memo #6 - Weather-Related Challenges

To: The University of Arkansas Academic Community

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

Re: Memo #6—Final Exams—Sunday, December 17, 2000 through Wednesday, December 20, 2000

This is the sixth in a series of memoranda about weather challenges and University-related activities during the period, December 12-20, 2000. Today—Saturday, December 16, 2000—the University was open and final exams were administered. However, the weather turned ugly in late afternoon with ice forming on the roadways. I have driven and walked around campus much of the day. I also drove through several sections of Fayetteville to survey the scene. The bad news is that travel is challenging. The good news is that conditions are not likely to get any worse tomorrow—given the weather forecast. Accordingly, I am asking for all who are able—please plan on being at your regularly scheduled (previously listed for Thursday, December 14, 2000) final exams tomorrow—Sunday, December 17, 2000. Also, unless you receive word to the contrary—plan on the administration of the regularly scheduled Monday, December 18 through Wednesday, December 20, 2000 final exams as applicable to your individual situations.

The decision to good forward with the Sunday and Monday through Wednesday final exams is based on our need to serve the majority of our students, many of whom have to complete their course work without further delay, lest their financial aid or other academically related situations be jeopardized.

Having made the decision to forge ahead with our currently established schedule (i.e., Thursday, December 14 final exams on Sunday, December 17, 2000 and Monday through Wednesday, December 18-20, 2000 final exams as scheduled earlier this year), I am once again asking that we all empathize with one another’s situations as we proceed to serve the good of the majority of our students. I know that there continues to be students who are snowbound or otherwise unable to travel to campus. 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 now scheduled for Sunday, December 17, 2000.

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 continue to think positive thoughts about all of our students, faculty and staff members as we move forward with the final four fall semester days 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.