Bowling Green is once again seeing some normal winter days, after several weeks of above-average winter weather.

In recent weeks the weather has been considered harsh for both on-campus and off-campus living – with temperatures dropping below freezing and dipping into the negatives for days at a time, mixed with the wind chill cooling it down even more.

The negative temperatures were a big topic of conversation at BGSU, as well as whether the campus would close due to the cold. High schools in Bowling Green and in the surrounding areas closed for multiple days due to cold temperatures, icy roads and snow.

Unlike surrounding high schools and universities, BGSU stayed open through the wintry weather. According to the official Emergency Cancellation, Delay and Closing Policy, “The University values the safety of all students, faculty and staff yet recognizes that essential operations must also be maintained.”

As for the University’s policy on closing campus as a whole, “The decision to close a campus resides under the authority of the President or President’s designee.”  

This closure would include all in-person, remote, online classes, and any student organization events. It is also stated that the campus will only close for significant and unanticipated events such as, “…natural disaster, weather, civil unrest, pandemic affecting the community or significant public emergencies.” 

Under the section labeled “Weather Related Safety,” it states that, “Students, employees, guests and visitors must assume responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as for their class or work responsibilities.” This statement is followed by the expression that employees who feel unsafe coming into work may move their work, or classes they hold, online under the approval of a supervisor.

Despite the University’s statement emphasizing students, faculty and staff to use their own discretion, some students are frustrated about the University’s decision to stay open. 

“That was a hard week here. I have an 8 a.m. that is at least a 15 minute walk from my dorm. It was -12 degrees for the real temperature and -25 degrees for the feel-like temperature. To say the least, I was pretty cold. And a good number of the kids in my classes didn’t show up later that week due to illness. I don’t know if that’s related but I don’t think walking in cold weather helps,” said first-year student Maddie Smith.