As a post-Thanksgiving winter storm blankets Iowan cities and roads with snow, Grinnell College administration has decided to cancel classes on Monday, Dec. 1.
The news, shared on a campus-wide email on Nov. 30, comes as flights across the country face delays and cancellations, as authorities warn against travel over the weekend and as other Iowan universities cancel classes Monday due to potential for hazardous road conditions, including Drake University and Iowa State University.
“Travel safety is our highest priority, and faculty are encouraged to provide accommodations for students with travel challenges that extend beyond Monday,” the all campus email read.
Ellen de Graffenreid, vice president of communications and marketing, explained in an email to The S&B how the College makes the decision to cancel classes.
“Grinnell rarely cancels all classes, and then only for extremely dangerous, cold or impassable roads,” de Graffenreid stated.
When it comes to faculty decisions, de Graffenreid said only the College can cancel classes, but faculty can determine whether to hold their classes virtually or in person in case of inclement weather.
Similarly to Grinnell College, Iowa State University wrote in their announcement canceling Monday classes that “as always, university leaders encourage employees and students to put safety first when deciding to travel to campus during the winter months.”
According to the Iowa State Patrol, there have been 354 calls for service on state roads between Friday, Nov. 28, noon and Saturday, Nov. 29, noon. That number includes 105 crashes covered and 249 motorist assists.
According to FlightAware, over 2,000 flights have been canceled nationwide on Saturday alone as snowy weather hits the upper Midwest, with Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a frequent hub for students returning to campus, being among the most affected. Chicago Midway Airport follows as the second most affected, with Des Moines International ranking seventh nationwide.
The Des Moines International airport has seen 10.9 inches of snow as of 10 a.m. on Nov. 30.
According to de Graffenreid, when it comes to Grinnell College shuttles from Des Moines and Chicago, Facilities Management will update students through WhatsApp. Students with specific concerns can text the number in their reservation through WhatsApp.
This story has been updated to reflect Grinnell College’s shuttle schedule, the decision to cancel classes and to correct a previous misstatement about the ability of faculty to cancel classes. Updated Nov. 30, 10:36 a.m.