Category: 2021 February Winter Storm

SMU has been notified by our electric provider to expect rotating power outages over the next few days due to unusually high demand created by the severe weather. The loss of electricity is expected to last about 15 minutes each time and could occur twice between now and through Tuesday.  Even though the outage will be short it may take five to six hours to bring the campus back to full heating capacity. Please plan accordingly to stay warm and protect any sensitive equipment. Faculty and staff should continue to monitor email for details specific to their respective areas.  RSLH will provide additional information to those living on campus.  A decision regarding the University’s operational and academic status will be communicated prior to 6 AM Monday.

Watch for the latest information via SMU Aware email, Twitter and Facebook.

Due to the ice, snow and extreme temperatures, SMU will close campus at 1 p.m. today, Sunday, February 14. This closure includes Meadows Museum, Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports and SMU Libraries, but Umphrey Lee dining will remain open to students in on-campus housing. Only designated essential personnel should report to work on campus. We will continue to monitor the weather’s progress, provide updates on the impact to campus operations and announce a decision no later than 6 a.m. Monday. Please be careful, watch for the latest information via SMU Aware email, Twitter and Facebook and check the campus policy on weather and other emergency conditions for more information.

The North Texas weather forecast for this weekend and into next week indicates the potential for a prolonged winter weather event with significant impacts to travel and infrastructure. Please plan accordingly and take laptops, study, classroom and other materials home with you to prepare for virtual academic instruction, should it become necessary. See https://www.smu.edu/Policy/9-Police-and-Public-Safety/9-12-University-Operations-Affected-by-Emergency-Conditions for more information.

University leadership will convene as the weather progresses and will inform the campus community via SMU Aware email no later than 6 a.m. Monday of any operational changes.

SMU is open and classes will continue as scheduled. Faculty, students and staff should report to their classrooms or offices as usual. If you live in an area affected by bad weather and feel that travel to campus would be an unreasonable safety risk, please contact your supervisor or department head to discuss possible options. Students should contact professors in advance of class if unable to attend due to weather. See https://www.smu.edu/news/weatherpolicy.

We will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day. Please be safe as you travel and use caution while walking to your campus destination.