Classes Cancelled Tomorrow Morning (and Maybe Afternoon, Too?) Because Blizzard

In semi-related news, Espwesso remains closed tonight.

As Nemo the Hyperblizzard progresses into its extended third act on campus, the administration has opted to cancel all classes tomorrow morning, and this time it’s for real. Straight from the Holder’s (that’s Bill Holder’s) mouth:

Classes will not be held Monday morning, and we will assess campus conditions in the morning to determine whether to resume classes at noon. Administrative staff should not come to work on Monday, except for essential personnel. We will provide an update to the campus community at about 9 a.m.

Hard working ground crews have made substantial progress today – and they deserve our thanks – but more remains to be done to ensure that sidewalks are clear and buildings are accessible. Students should continue to exercise considerable caution outdoors and call Public Safety for help with storm-related matters, (860) 685-2345. For emergencies, call (860) 685-3333.

Considering Middletown remains a surreal maze of waist-high snow drifts and Governor Malloy just asked all nonessential employees to stay home Monday, this move comes as little surprise. But couldn’t they have just made the call for the whole day at once? “This is a bullshit half step,” opined Wesleying’s lesanjuan over email. “The campus is still half-buried and we’re getting freezing rain tonight into the morning. They already know that professors are going to can classes in the afternoon, so why not do it officially?”

A recommended read on this subject is Tenured Radical’s “The Ice Storm: A Few Observations About the Workings of the University,” a reflection on the institutional politics complicating the University’s decision to cancel (or not to cancel) classes during the Snow Day of 2011.

In related news, Jacob Eichengreen ’13 just Gchatted me to let me know that Allbritton is going to be locked tonight, so Espwesso will not be able to operate. Use this sad information as you will. And enjoy the half-Snow Day (but use good judgment!).