After blistering temperatures last week, students and faculty alike argued just how extreme the temperature has to be for University administration to take action. Students, in particular, would argue administration has been quite cold on the issue.
Temperatures in Bowling Green last Thursday and Friday reached as low as -8 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively, with the wind chill exceeding -35 degrees, yet the University remained open.
Victoria Ekstrand, a journalism professor at the University, explains the factors that influence the University’s decisions.
“From a University perspective, you want to consider your liability risks,” Ekstrand said. “The University is very smart and savvy about this.”
Ganga Vadhavkar, a University instructor, commutes daily from Northville, Mich., but says this does not affect her attendance at the University.
“I am committed to teach and am mindful of road and weather conditions,” Vadhavkar said. “I factor potential delays and leave home early.”
University policy prohibits faculty from canceling class due to bad weather. For Ekstrand, this restriction can be rendered moot.
“I find very few colleagues actually looking to cancel class,” Ekstrand said. “My mentality is to show up and teach, because it is my job.”
Of course, Ekstrand understands this policy, but also admits there are scenarios where classes may be canceled.
“Certainly, it happens sometimes when there is a faculty emergency, but I’m sure the University understands when those instances happen,” she said.
Cassandra Sieja, a sophomore who travels to the University from Stony Ridge, Ohio, said weather plays a role in her drive.
“Bad weather makes me have to leave earlier. If the weather comes overnight without warning, I don’t always know to get up earlier to leave,” she said.
Ekstrand empathizes with commuter students and agrees they may be at a disadvantage when bad weather arises.
“I do think about commuter students and worry about them,” Ekstrand said. “In those cases I don’t say they must get on the road – most professors have absence policies in these cases.”
Even for students living in Bowling Green, cold weather can be a concern. Justin Onslow lives in a house off campus and was surprised the University stayed open last week.
“Temperatures [that cold] can be dangerous, especially for someone like me who walks to class,” Onslow said. “It really made me feel that the University wasn’t all that concerned for the safety of the students.”
With more reasonable temperatures forecasted through next weekend, the argument will likely be avoided for the remainder of the winter.
