Category: Winter Storm Message Archive

Winter storm notifications

Posted on

As a winter storm approaches, campus officials are closely monitoring the weather forecast and making preparations accordingly.

SMU’s goal is to hold classes and events in person; however, if winter weather conditions risk the safety of our employees and students, a decision on campus operations will be made by the president in consultation with SMU police and members of the President’s Executive Council.

Campus Notifications 

Changes in operations will be communicated in the following ways:

Safety considerations

Above all, be safe. Always use good judgment regarding your ability to travel safely in inclement weather if the University is operating as normal. Students who are not able to report for class due to road conditions or other weather-related issues should contact their professor, and employees should contact their supervisor.

Stay up to date

The SMU Aware website is a one-stop place to get the latest information about a winter storm or other emergencies on campus. Please check it often for updates.

Extreme cold expected Thursday (12/22)

Posted on

According to the National Weather Service, a strong cold front will arrive Thursday morning bringing the coldest temperatures of the season. Here’s what to expect:

  • Temperatures will fall below freezing during the day on Thursday.
  • The expected temperatures will likely damage exposed outdoor pipes and other infrastructure.
  • Temperatures may briefly rise above freezing across Central Texas on Christmas Eve but will quickly fall below freezing again Saturday evening.
  • Much of North Texas will remain below freezing until Christmas Day.
  • The combination of subfreezing temperatures and windy conditions will result in wind chills falling below zero across the entire region Thursday night into Friday morning.
  • Conditions will be life threatening for unsheltered or marginally sheltered populations.
  • There is a low chance (20%) that temperatures will fall below 10°F across the DFW Metroplex and Central Texas.
  • Strong north winds behind the cold front will persist into Thursday night. Sustained winds upwards of 25-30 MPH with peak gusts of 40-45 MPH are likely.
  • There is a low chance (10-20%) for brief freezing drizzle and/or snow flurries across portions of North and Northeast Texas Thursday morning. Impacts to travel are not expected due to the very light nature of the precipitation.

How to keep yourself safe (according to the National Weather Service):

  • Minimize travel.
  • Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
  • Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
  • Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
  • Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
  • Check on the elderly.
  • Bring pets inside.

How to dress (according to the National Weather Service):

  • Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
  • Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
  • Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
  • Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

What’s open/closed Feb. 23+24

Posted on

Known operations are listed below. All times/availabilities are subject to change. Check this page often or our Twitter updates. Click the cells below to expand the information.

Updated on Feb. 24, 2022 at 9:24 a.m.

On Campus Dining

Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports

Wednesday

Closing at 5 p.m.

Thursday

Open from Noon to 5 p.m.

University Libraries

Thursday

Closing at 5 p.m.

Friday

Opening from noon until 5 p.m.

Dr. Bob Smith Health Center

Wednesday

Closing at 5 p.m.

Thursday

Virtual appointments only.

Hughes Trigg Student Center

Wednesday + Thursday

Open during regular hours

Parking Services and Safety Escort Program (Tap Ride)

Operations suspended Feb. 23+24.

Mustang Express

Shuttle service running as planned.

Athletic Events

Men’s basketball game on Wednesday evening is still scheduled to go on as planned. For other events, visit smumustangs.com

Book Store

Closed Thursday

DART

Service suspended through Thursday

President George W. Bush Presidential Center

The George W. Bush Presidential Center, including the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Café 43, and the Museum Store, is closed Thursday, February 24.

SMU moves to alternate delivery formats for Wednesday and Thursday classes (Feb. 23+24, 2022)

Posted on

Due to inclement weather, SMU will move to alternate delivery formats for classes starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23 and for all classes on Thursday, February 24. Students will receive more specific information from their instructors.

All other campus operations will be altered as well, and staff will receive information from their Vice Presidents about work expectations. 

For information on closings and alternate hours for campus services, as well as other updates, click the button below:

Campus Dining, Dedman Rec and other operations available here

Watch for possible winter weather updates Feb. 23+24

Posted on

February 22, 2022

SMU is not anticipating any changes in our academic operations but wanted to let you know that a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for most of North Texas. Campus officials are closely monitoring the weather forecast and making preparations accordingly.

If winter weather conditions risk the safety of our employees and students, a decision about campus operations will be made by the President in consultation with SMU Police and members of the President’s Executive Council.

Timeline

Every effort will be made to announce any changes by 6 a.m. for the workday and by 4 p.m. for evening events. However, late-breaking weather developments may occasionally require other timely notifications.

If no University notification is sent or posted, operations are continuing as scheduled. Students, faculty and staff are expected to report to their classrooms or offices.

Campus Notifications 

Changes in operations and instruction, including delays or cancellations, will be communicated in the following ways:

  • Text and e-mail messages from SMU Aware sent to all students, faculty and staff.
  • E-mail messages to SMU employees from vice presidents and deans (as appropriate) with additional details regarding changes in operations and instruction.
  • SMU Aware website, SMU homepage.
  • Official SMU Aware social media accounts.

Stay up to date

The new SMU Aware website is a one-stop place to get the latest information about a winter storm or other emergencies on campus. Please check it often for updates.

What’s open/closed Feb. 4-6, 2022

Posted on

Hours of operation are listed below. All times/availabilities are subject to change. Check this page often or our Twitter updates. Click the cells below to expand the information.

Updated on Feb. 4, 2022 at 5:11 p.m.

On Campus Dining

Friday: Umphrey Lee from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday: Umphrey Lee from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday: Umphrey Lee from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. // Arnold from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

No retail dining will be available.

Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports

Friday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 1-11 p.m.

Some activities, like the climbing wall and swimming pool, may be closed. Inquire at rec center for availabilities.

University Libraries

Friday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: Regular Hours

Dr. Bob Smith Health Center

Friday: Virtual appointments only from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (call 214-768-2141 to schedule appointment)

Saturday: Walk-up testing for COVID-19 will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m.

Hughes-Trigg Student Center

Friday: Closed

Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

No retail dining will be available.

Campus Shuttle (440 & 442 Express)

Service suspended by DART through Sunday

Athletic Events

Please visit smumustangs.com for other events.

Employee COVID-19 Testing at MyLabsDirect

Friday: Closed at Expressway Tower

SMU moves to virtual instruction on Thursday and Friday

Posted on

Due to the inclement weather and icy roadways, SMU classes will be virtual today and tomorrow. In an effort to keep our campus community safe, students should plan to attend classes online at their regularly scheduled times and avoid walking or driving to campus. Classes are not cancelled; additional instructions should follow from faculty prior to class.

Employees should remain at home, unless instructed to provide essential campus operations or safety services. Campus emergency workers have been preparing for this storm with supplies and plans to keep on campus residents safe, warm, and nourished. Students should check with residence life staff about any weather-related issues in rooms or buildings.

Additionally, all campus activities are cancelled and many campus services are closed or operating on limited hours.

Updated Hours for Dining, Dedman Rec, Hughes-Trigg, Libraries and other campus units is available here

Time for reopening facilities on campus may vary and athletics events are also subject to change based on weather and travel conditions. The men’s basketball game scheduled for tonight is canceled. If you are walking somewhere, be careful. Conditions could be slippery.

Frigid temperatures are expected to continue through Saturday. Please continue to monitor texts, emails and the SMU Aware website and social channels for updates and additional information. SMU police are available for emergency response (214-768-3333) and non-emergency support (214-768-3388).

Stay safe and warm, Mustangs.

Winter Storm class and event changes for Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Posted on

Classes

All classes on Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. or after will move to virtual instruction only. Classes are still in session, not canceled. Students with labs tonight should contact their faculty member for further information.

Events

All events taking place on campus this evening should conclude by 8 p.m. Campus facilities that are open in the evenings, such as Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports and campus libraries, will close at 8 p.m.

Thursday schedule

Employees who normally report to work on campus before 8 a.m. on Thursday (2-3-2022) should delay their arrival until 8 a.m. unless otherwise notified by the University.

Any additional delays or adjustments to campus operations or classes on Thursday will be communicated by Thursday morning at 6 a.m.