Contrary to popular belief, Smith Jackson, vice president for student life, does not have the final say on when Elon University gets a snow day.
The power to close the university ultimately rests with Steven House, university provost, and Gerald Whittington, senior vice president for business, finance and technology.
But they rely on a lot of help — from Physical Plant, Elon University Police and the input of a slew of other campus departments and organizations.
As the provost gets each to weigh in, it’s not uncommon for House to hit the roads in the pre-dawn light and see for himself, according to Dan Anderson, vice president of university communications. Physical Plant workers and Elon University Police officers also beat the pavement to assess conditions early, he added.
“I think it’s our responsibility to make an informed decision about how to conduct the university’s business, and it’s important for every individual to take responsibility for themselves to get around safely,” Anderson said.
Though a late-arriving storm dumped a coating of snow and ice around campus Tuesday, the university opted to stay open, drawing the ire of certain students who said they ice-skated their way to class.
“I was really shocked that it wasn’t canceled,” said sophomore Taylor Hoerr., a former Pendulum staff member. “I went to ‘Sunrise Yoga’ this morning, and when we walked out, the paths weren’t cleared. I feel like they didn’t prepare at all, unlike last time.”
Unlike winter storm Octavia — which brought North Carolina plenty of warning before it hit last week — Tuesday’s wintry mix took the university by surprise.
By 6:47 a.m. Tuesday, when Jackson emailed campus, much less snow had fallen than would pile on during rush hour. Ideally, that email should be sent out around 6 a.m., Anderson said.
“What happened during the commute made it more slick than anyone would have anticipated,” Anderson said. “So, it’s not a flawless process to make this decision. Things change, and you can’t anticipate weather.”
Though no car accidents were initially reported around Elon, there were injuries, as well as some close calls.
“I was crossing the tracks near West End Apartments and lost control, slid into the curb and bounced off into the road,” said junior Lindsey Metcalf. “When I got out of the car to see if there was any damage, I almost slipped on the ice. I got back into my car, and another car making the same turn lost control and just barely stopped in time.”
For its part, Elon asks students, faculty and staff nervous about their commute to stay home, saying there will be no penalty for students who skip class out of safety concerns.
But not all students buy in.
“I feel like no teachers will uphold and respect it if you don’t make it to class,” Hoerr said.
The responsibility is actually with the individual student, not with the university, to make arrangements with the teacher, Anderson pointed out.
“Students should approach each teacher one-on-one, and I think faculty members will understand if they explain the particular situation,” he said.
Anderson added, “It always is a judgement call, and it’s always going to be second-guessed by people. Every school system in the world has the same issue.”