Severe Weather Update: Dec. 21, 2022

The following communication was issued to the UW-River Falls community from Chancellor Maria Gallo on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. 
 

Dear UWRF Students and Employees,
 
The upcoming severe weather has the potential to put our students and employees at too great of a risk, so I am writing with an update to earlier campus guidance. 

Provost David Travis has just communicated to all instructors that no in-person final exams are to be held after 6 p.m. Wednesday, including all of Thursday. I appreciate the work of instructors who have already rescheduled exams or are making it possible to offer them in an alternative format. Students in classes that require in-person exams may request an incomplete for the course and work with their instructors to take the final after the break.

I am also encouraging all non-essential employees to continue to monitor the weather and consider making arrangements to work remotely and cancel any in-person activities on Thursday and Friday. My heartfelt thanks to the many employees in University Police, Facilities, Grounds, and on the lab farms, and others who will continue to serve our campus.

The University Center and Residence Life have already issued updates regarding their operations.  Residence Life will communicate with residents later this morning regarding any adjustments to hall closing and residence hall services. DoTS will be available via phone, email, and chat but working remotely from 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. While no varsity practices are scheduled, the Falcon Center may modify operations of the fitness center, Knowles Field House and Hunt Arena, so watch for updates from them as well. The CHILD Center will be closed Thursday and Friday. Davee Library plans to be open Wednesday and Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Snow is expected to start in River Falls mid-day today, becoming heavier over the afternoon and into the evening. The most dangerous conditions, with strong winds gusting as high as 50 mph, causing whiteout conditions and dangerously cold temperatures, are expected Thursday into Friday. Before you travel, it is recommended that you continue to consult the National Weather Service and online road conditions updates (511wi for Wisconsin and 511mn for Minnesota).

Travel safely and happy holidays, Falcons. I look forward to our return to campus in the new year!

Sincerely,
Maria