Winter weather impacts for Monday, Jan. 26

Editor's note: This UDaily article will be updated as new information becomes available. The latest update was on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the region and Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer has issued a state of emergency. With the likelihood of accumulating snowfall and mixed precipitation to continue throughout the weekend, the University of Delaware has made the following alterations to its operations and academic instruction for Monday, Jan. 26 at its Newark campus:

The University has suspended operations for its Newark campus. Only essential personnel should report to work Monday, as scheduled. Non-essential employees are released from their work responsibilities Monday. Essential personnel who are reporting to work Monday are encouraged to park their personal vehicles in University garages to make snow removal from streets easier for Facilities staff. Parking enforcement during this time will be suspended.

No in-person instruction will be held Monday. Instructors of Winter Session classes are asked to communicate with their students, as these sessions may convene virtually (either through synchronous or asynchronous formats), or be canceled or rescheduled at an instructor's discretion. Flexibility is appreciated, as these measures prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and faculty while ensuring academic continuity.

The University will continue monitoring the winter storm and provide additional information and guidance, as necessary. Updates regarding Tuesday operations will be shared as conditions evolve and posted on UDaily.

Transportation services remain suspended until further notice, depending on road conditions. Monitor the Transportation website or Shuttle app for updates.

Residence and dining halls will remain open to students. The University asks all on-campus resident students to close and lock all windows, as even a slightly open window can lead to frozen and broken pipes. The Caesar Rodney Dining Hall will remain open on Monday for its regular hours of operation. For additional information, including hours of operation at retail locations, visit the Dining Services website or the Instagram account for UD Dining Services.

Members of the University community are reminded to use caution while driving on or navigating campus.

Other campuses and areas

All Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) courses are canceled for Monday. Read more about OLLI's operations and course instruction.

No in-person Associate in Arts Programs (AAP) classes are scheduled for Monday. AAP staff do not need to report.

The Carvel Center in Georgetown will be closed on Monday.

The Paradee Center in Dover will suspend operations, effective Sunday at 12:01 a.m. and through Monday evening. Additional details will be announced through UDaily at a later time and as necessary.

UD's Lewes Campus will suspend operations for Monday, with only essential personnel reporting to work, as scheduled. Lewes will hold no in-person instruction Monday. Instructors of Winter Session classes are asked to communicate with their students, as these sessions may convene virtually (either through synchronous or asynchronous formats), or be canceled or rescheduled at an instructor's discretion.

Schedule updates

Regarding Student Wellbeing, patients with appointments at Student Health Services, Sports Medicine and the Center for Counseling and Student Development will be contacted to reschedule. Read more information on how to access after-hours and 24/7 medical- and crisis-care support.

The Carpenter Sports Building (Little Bob); UD's Rust and Gold ice arenas; Morris Library; the Student Centers; the Wellbeing Center at Warner Hall; Clayton Hall; and the UD Barnes & Noble Bookstore will be closed Monday.

The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Conference has been canceled for Monday, Jan. 26, and will be rescheduled.

Information about any additional closings or schedule changes will be posted on UDaily.

Personal safety

Safety is UD's highest priority. Faculty, staff and students should not put themselves at risk, and employees who expect difficulty traveling should contact their supervisors.

Continued preparedness guidance

Forecasts for Sunday into Monday call for increasing winds followed by the potential for icing, which may lead to localized power outages. Members of the UD community should take steps now. Examples include fully charging phones and laptops, gathering flashlights or battery-powered lighting, and ensuring access to warm clothing, essential medications, and non-perishable food.

For resident students: Residence halls are equipped with emergency response procedures and staff who can assist if conditions worsen. If power fluctuations occur, remain indoors, avoid using candles, and follow instructions from Residence Life staff or official University communications. Dining locations and student centers may adjust operations depending on conditions; monitor University updates for hours and service availability.

For off-campus students: Plan ahead in the event of extended power loss. Check that you have safe alternative lighting, know how to report outages to your utility provider, and identify a backup location to stay warm if needed. Be cautious around icy sidewalks, porches, and parking areas, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Please anticipate the issuance of state-mandated driving restrictions. As of 10 a.m. Sunday, drivers in New Castle and Kent counties are operating under Level 2, which restricts driving to only essential personnel (emergency workers, first responders, health care and designated persons already approved through DEMA's State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program).

Report emergencies to 911 or through the LiveSafe app. Read additional winter safety guidance, including information on preparing for outages and severe cold.