Zoom and Snow Days

As the snow piled and the temperature cooled, students were eager to see if Andrews University would cancel school. Students just want to be kids and go tubing, make snowmen and igloos, and have snowball fights whenever there is snow on campus. Andrews often cancels classes for power outages and Wifi problems, but one snow day could allow students to enjoy these activities as well. Due to the impact that COVID-19 had on academics, it will be a lot harder for students to obtain snow days. Andrews University policy states that in the event of severe weather, teachers are responsible to provide students with instructions on how to approach the day's learning, which could include in-person or online learning. In especially extreme situations, Andrews will temporarily stop in-person learning for the safety of the students. 

Each university has its own unique way of declaring a snow day. For instance, at the University of Cincinnati, they will declare an emergency closing when the National Service declares a wind-chill warning (about -25 degrees) for a certain amount of time that might affect daily commute or normal university hours. However, at IUPUI, the inclement weather policy is quite different. If the campus is unable to control the effects of the weather, then the campus moves to a limited operation. The final decision will fall on the campus chancellor and fellow campus leadership impacting campus operations. Once the decision is made, classes and activities are canceled; however, some parts of the campus must remain open, such as residence halls, medical facilities, and cafeterias. Our nearby university, Notre Dame, will only close in extreme weather conditions, and the decisions are based on short-term and long-term weather reports. Pace University decided it will go into remote learning, allowing classes to continue during severe weather conditions. Their reason behind this decision is to ensure that students stay on schedule in their coursework and on track to graduate. 

Students on campus are not just seeking a day off of school when there is snow; instead they want to reminisce and be children again. There are various benefits that students and teachers can reap from having snow days. One benefit is that it allows students to have a break from their studies during the most depressing time of the year. During this time, students engage in free play which sparks creativity, imagination, and curiosity, which are key resources in striving in your studies. Along the way, snow days promote hands-on learning and sensory regulation which allows students to be aware of their body and take care of themselves. Since Andrews University is situated in Michigan, where the weather is mostly cloudy and snowy during the winter months, then it is essential for students to make sure that their emotional and physical well-being is taken care of. College is stressful, but having snow days allows people to slow down from their busy schedules and appreciate the beauty that God has created. Snow also has a calming essence to it that makes us feel happy. 

Denisse Hirujo (junior, architecture) describes how dangerous snow can be for students, especially when the roads are not properly cleared. Jhoana Mortera (senior, digital communications and marketing), suggests that if the University does not want to cancel school, then they should have “Zoom day.” This allows students to still continue with their school work while giving them the freedom to play in the snow and not have to traverse the campus to their classes. 

As the anticipation of a possible snow day lingers at Andrews University, students yearn for the simple joys of winter activities. During the hardest times in the year, maybe taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of snow and prioritize our well-being can offer a refreshing perspective of the Andrews University community.