SUNY Brockport cancelled all in-person classes scheduled on Monday, Feb. 17, marking the first time in 12 years that the college has cancelled classes due to poor travel conditions.
The decision came after a weekend of worsening weather. The National Weather Service recorded 3.3 new inches of snow Sunday morning, followed by an additional 8.3 inches Monday morning, bringing the total snow depth in Brockport to 13 inches. Strong winds and freezing temperatures also added to the hazardous conditions.
University Vice President of Communications John Fallaco, said multiple factors are considered when determining whether to cancel classes due to severe weather.
“These factors include, but are not limited to, the weather conditions in Brockport and the surrounding area, travel advisories or bans that may or may not be in place and the condition of major roadways in the area,” Fallaco said. “We work with area partners to learn this information and also evaluate if our grounds crew has the resources, both in terms of available staff and equipment, to maintain our roadways, parking lots and walkways at a serviceable level.”
According to Fallaco, the Provost, Chief of Police, Emergency Manager and Director of Facilities Operations review the information and ultimately make a recommendation to University President Heidi Macpherson, who makes the final decision.
After the decision was made, SUNY Brockport issued the SUNY Emergency Alert at 5:30p.m. Sunday, advising students, faculty and staff to use caution when traveling around campus.
“Be advised that forecasted wind chill temperatures pose a risk for frostbite,” the alert stated. “If you go outside, dress appropriately and do not stay outdoors for more than 30 minutes at a time.”
While some students celebrated the rare snow day, others were less enthusiastic about the winter weather’s ongoing impact this season.
“It’s definitely the worst snow I’ve experienced in my entire time here,” said Brayan Ruiz, a third year student.
For Ruiz, the conditions have made everyday routines substantially more difficult– particularly when taking his one-year-old pitbull, Iggy, outside.
“Taking him out has been a nightmare,” Ruiz said. “It’s so bad even Iggy doesn’t even like it, and he loves snow. The snow is taller than him at this point.”
Monroe County remains under a lake effect snow warning until 1p.m., Wednesday Feb. 19, according to the National Weather Service. Another 8 to 16 inches of snow can also be expected, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
With the potential for more snow days ahead, students are left navigating a balance between excitement of cancelled classes and frustration of winter weather that shows no signs of letting up.
