Last week, Arkansas State University was hit with significant winter weather, causing the university to shut down for three days straight. From Jan. 31- Feb. 2, all on-campus classes were canceled and all academic and business offices were closed.

For the first two days, the only places open were the Reng Student Union and the Acansa Dining Hall. Other dining options during the freeze included Sodexo dining locations with the exception of Einstein’s Bagels and the C-Store. All operated under limited hours. 

On Feb. 1, the North Park Quads University Market, Dean B. Ellis Library and the Red WOLF Center all opened with limited hours. 

Essential personnel, including University Housing and Facilities Management, reported to work. Online classes continued as normal.

In a press release sent out via email on Feb. 1, A-State estimated classes to resume the next day. The university canceled classes the next day due to “lingering impacts of a significant winter storm.”

“While Facilities and Residence crews made significant progress today with campus roads and sidewalks, the National Weather Service in Memphis is predicting another round of freezing rain tonight into the early hours of Thursday,” the press release said. “Combined with lows in the 20s, it is likely that travel to and around campus will be difficult tomorrow.”

This was the second year A-State was closed on Groundhog Day.

“After three straight ice days, we wanted some humor to break up the week. The message remained clear that we were closing for inclement weather. This is now two Groundhog Days in a row we’ve had to close for icy weather,” said chief communication officer Bill Smith. 

Classes resumed on Feb. 3. Due to the weather, some events were rescheduled. Check the A-State Campus Calendar and Daily Digest for updated event times. 

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