Furman to reopen on Sunday following winter weather

UPDATE SATURDSAY, JAN. 11, 7 P.M.

The following message was sent to campus this afternoon

Campus will reopen tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 12, and will operate as usual next week.

The National Weather Service forecast does not include further precipitation this weekend or into the beginning of next week. The high temperatures today and tomorrow will be around 40. We expect there to be enough time above freezing, combined with the efforts of our Facilities Services, Furman Police and Housing and Residence Life crews, for roadways and walkways to be safe. However, please continue to use caution when traveling to and on campus.

The PAC will operate on its regular holiday hours schedule and be open for students, faculty and staff on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The pool will be closed. The PAC hours are available online.

Student Life will continue to provide specific updates to students.

We realize that some employees may still be facing unsafe driving conditions on Monday and that local schools may be closed or have a late start. Employees should assess their personal situation and work with supervisors if adjustments are needed.

If faculty are not able to provide in-person instruction on Monday, please communicate with your department chair and with your students. Please be flexible and accommodating for students who are not able to return to campus by Monday morning due to weather in other regions.

Furman Police and the Emergency Response Team will continue to monitor the weather and will send another communication only if weather conditions force a change in plans.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this weather event.

UPDATE THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 4:15 P.M.

The following message was sent to campus this afternoon.

Due to the impending winter weather, campus will close at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 10, and will remain closed through Saturday. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, 1-2 inches of snow and sleet are expected to begin around 11 a.m., changing to freezing rain Friday evening. These conditions could make traveling in the afternoon dangerous.

Employees required to work on campus during a campus closure will be notified by their departments. Other employees may not report to work on campus during a campus closure (see Emergency Campus Closure policy). Employees who are able to work remotely from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday are encouraged to do so, after confirming with your supervisor.

The PAC and the Dining Hall will remain open for students with limited hours. Any adjustments to the hours of operations will be communicated directly to students each day. Adjustments to sorority recruitment will be communicated directly to the students involved.

Students returning to campus this weekend are encouraged to make the best decision based on their personal circumstances and conditions in their area, and to use extra caution on the roads.

The men’s basketball game has been rescheduled from Saturday to Monday at 7 p.m. at The Well. The women’s game at Wofford has been rescheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. at Wofford.

The Emergency Response Team will continue to monitor the weather with updates from the National Weather Service and Greenville County. We will continue to communicate changes about university operations.

Students, faculty and staff will receive text and email alerts in emergency situations.

Decisions about the University’s operations in the face of weather are made after careful deliberation. The Emergency Response Team relies on information from several sources and considers many perspectives. The safety and well-being of students and employees always comes first.

UPDATE THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 8 A.M.

The following message was sent to campus this morning.

Furman’s Emergency Response Team is closely monitoring the weather forecast for Friday and Saturday, and has had discussions about events and staffing considerations for those days.

The National Weather Service is currently forecasting 1-2 inches of snow and ice starting Friday late morning, possibly turning to a wintry mix in the evening. Saturday is expected to bring clear skies and afternoon temperatures in the low 40s.

At this time, we are making adjustments to certain events, such as new-student orientation, but expect to remain open. Crews from Facilities Services, Housing and Residence Life and the Furman Police are scheduled to spread ice melt and take other steps to make campus safer. Students, faculty and staff should use caution and be aware of your surroundings when driving and walking on campus.

Furman Police and the ERT will continue to monitor the weather. They will also get updates through the day from Greenville County and the National Weather Service. We will communicate later today about any changes to university plans and will continue to provide updates as necessary.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE POSTED WEDNESDAY, 2 P.M. The Furman University Police Department is monitoring the potential for severe winter weather that could bring snow and freezing rain to the South Carolina Upstate, including Furman’s campus, Friday and Saturday.

University Police will continue to work with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions on campus and send emergency notifications as needed. Visit the Police Department website for more information about severe weather warnings. Call Furman Police at 864-294-2111 or use the LiveSafe app to request assistance or to report weather-related issues.

University Communications will post updates to this page as necessary.