Never Mind the Weather, Parts of University Never 'Close'

Photo Submitted

A facilities management worker clearing Dickson Street.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A chance of sleet and snow is in the forecast, and the U of A community could get an inclement weather message that classes are delayed or canceled and offices are opening late or will be closed.

That doesn’t mean the university will be closed.

More than 5,000 students live on campus so no matter the weather many services are still needed, and the necessary U of A operations are open to provide them.

University Police

Potential traffic problems, pedestrian injuries and other emergencies require the UAPD to keep a full patrol and communications staff on duty, 24-7.

Housing

University Housing staff prepare for winter weather before it hits, stocking residence halls and warehouses with necessary supplies. The staff members are considered essential by the university and report for work regardless of the weather to perform their everyday duties, deal with emergency situations and make sure students are safe in the residence halls. 

Dining Services

In the three resident dining halls – Brough Commons, Pomfret and Fulbright in the Northwest Quad – student meals are still served, even if classes are delayed or canceled. Dining halls do not open until 8 a.m., and menus may be limited at times, but the goal is for students to get their meals with no more than minor inconvenience.

Other food service operations on campus, such as the Arkansas Union Food Court, the various coffee shops and convenience stores, The Hill Grill at Maple Hill, Peet’s, Peabody Perks, Quizno’s, Papa John’s, Slim Chickens, Chef Jet, and Einstein Brothers Bagels, are generally closed the first day that classes are canceled, but every effort is made to get them back open if the cancellations continue for a second day.

Students can find out what is open and when by checking the website dineoncampus.com/razorbacks or the Chartwells Dining University of Arkansas on Facebook.

Facilities Management

Facilities management crews are also on the job around the clock, and their work often starts before a winter storm arrives. Crews pre-treat roads and sidewalks with brine solution when there is a strong threat of a snow or ice storm. Once a storm hits, workers are responsible for clearing snow and ice from streets, sidewalks and parking lots on campus.  If the electricity goes out anywhere on campus, facilities crews work with local utility companies to get the power restored. The same applies for problems with heat or water. If a storm causes damage to any part of campus, from trees to buildings, facilities management is responsible for making repairs and cleaning the area. Custodians also remain on duty to identify and report problems in their buildings, help with repairs and keep the building entrances clear and safe.

Arkansas Union

The Arkansas Union also provides services to students seven days a week, regardless of the weather. When classes are canceled, the goal is to make sure an area of the Union is open to give students a warm and safe place to study and socialize. The east side of the Union is open 24 hours a day. The west side of the Union may have reduced hours, but these will be posted on the Union’s Facebook page and Twitter account.

University Recreation Facilities

University Recreation operates the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building and the University Recreation Fitness Center in the Arkansas Union, and has the goal of keeping these facilities available to on-campus members in all types of weather. For example, if the university cancels classes due to snow, the HPER Building will still be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the Fitness Center will be open until 4 p.m. The HPER pool, Donna Axum Fitness Center and the Outdoor Connection Center will operate on a reduced schedule, but UREC classes and programs will be cancelled or postponed. A detailed UREC inclement weather schedule is available as a downloadable PDF.