A record of 10.8 inches of snowfall has made University of Portland close campus today. Online classes will continue as scheduled and a decision about tomorrow will come at a later time.
The announcement came early this morning in an email from Vice President of Financial Affairs, Eric Barger, and Interim Provost, Elise Moentmann.
“This storm is far worse than forecasted or expected. The University of Portland will remain closed today,” Barger said in the email. “ … Essential emergency employees may be asked to report to campus today. Other employees should remain at home.”
UP has been monitoring the storm and had canceled classes and closed campus preemptively yesterday before road conditions became hazardous.
“All events are canceled during this time period as well,” Barger wrote in the email from yesterday. “The lecture by author Michael O’Loughlin will be recorded and made available as a podcast at a later date.”
While the Pilot House will be closed, Bauccio Commons will remain open for students.
After the announcement was sent, the quad in front of the Clark Library filled with students admiring the snow, having snowball fights and having winter wonderland photoshoots.
“I hope everyone is safe and taking this time to rest and do something nice for themselves,” Emma Fuller, president of the associated students of the University of Portland, said.
The Beacon will continue to monitor the situation.
Brie Haro is Editor-in-Chief of The Beacon. She can be reached at haro23@up.edu.
