Newswise — Snow in Washington, D.C. is typical. This much snow is not.
While the city and the surrounding areas have essentially been shut down since the first storm began on February 5, at American University (http://www.american.edu), life on campus continued.
More than 150 essential employees in public safety, facilities, the library, residence halls, dining services, and the fitness center, among others, have been working around the clock to ensure that students are fed, sidewalks and roads are cleared, and the critical needs of the university are met – since the university was officially closed as of noon on February 5.
Even before the first snowfall, the staff in the Office of Finance and Treasurer began preparations, salting sidewalks, and checking building heating systems. In December they had already removed close to 30 cubic tons of snow.
In the residence halls, housing staff worked with a team of students including 70 resident assistants and desk assistants to provide countless hours of coverage so that the rest of the student population can work, study, eat, and sleep during this historic experience with as little disruption as possible. At the University Center, the Campus Life staff offered movie afternoons and evenings.
In the School of Communication, professors used this real world experience to their advantage, producing a snow edition of American Observer, and continuing class assignments by communicating with students via email and Blackboard. Read more about how SOC dealt with the storm at http://www.american.edu/soc/news/snow-days.cfm
Adventurous students explored the snow covered city. Snow glistening off the Capital dome and the White House lawn created memories for students for years to come. The picturesque city turned into a wintery mix as another storm blew in, causing some minor damage on campus. Part of an awning covering over a walkway collapsed and a few trees from the university’s arboretum will need some extra care this spring.
Throughout the storms, reporters at The Eagle, AU’s student-run newspaper, chronicled what was happening on campus. Read the Eagle online at http://www.theeagleonline.com
Provost Scott Bass announced no changes in the Spring academic schedule for the upcoming break, exams, or end of term and encouraged faculty to continue with planned assignments and course expectations. Read the February 10 Provost memo at http://www.american.edu/media/news/20100210_Academic_Calendar.cfm
President Neil Kerwin extended his appreciation of the resilience, dedication, and ingenuity of faculty, staff and students to keep the university operational and safe through the snow storms. Read the February 11 President's memo at http://www.american.edu/media/news/20100211_AU_President_Thanks_Community.cfm
University Communications will continue to provide faculty, staff and students with updates through RAVE text alerts, the home page, the portal, and campus wide emails.
The spirit and resolve of the American University community has been on display throughout this experience. Stay tuned as we continue to report on the activities, events, and the extraordinary efforts of students, faculty, and staff throughout Snowmageddon.
RSS