Hoping for a snow day to cancel classes? Don't hold your breath

It's been more than 20 years since the last time the University was closed due to winter weather.

Most University employees can't even remember the last snow day. Associate Vice President for Business Operations Hank Baier, a University employee for seven years, doesn't recall one.

"It would take an act of God to have one," he said.

Actually, it would only take an act of Lee Bollinger.

AP PHOTO With snow on the way any day there will be many a day when you wake up with the ground absolutely white. Though you may have class in less than 25 minutes you better get up because a day of cancelled classes due to excessive snow is far from likely.

According to the University's Standard Practice Guide only the "President or his designated representative" can announce an "inclement weather period."

The president can only do so after consultation with local meteorologists and local, county and state police officials.

When deemed "inclement weather," the "University will continue to provide as many of (its regular) services as possible, with particular emphasis on all the services which are basic to health care and daily sustenance."

Very rarely has daily sustenance not included holding regular class.

Only long-time University employees can recall the last snow day, which occurred in January 1978.

The University "was closed for one or two days," said History Prof. Nicholas Steneck, who teaches a class on the history of the University of Michigan. "The snow storm got so bad I guess they thought it threatened public safety."

Before 1978's blizzard, the second most recent snow day came in the late '60s.

"I think it was 1967," said Capital Planning Assistant Director Fred Mayer. "It snowed so heavily the roads couldn't be cleared before classes."

So why have there been two in the last three decades when most high schools get at least that many days off in every year?

Baier speculated that with so many other services that must be performed on a daily basis, it only makes sense to hold class.

"The University depends on services like the campus police, the power plant, and food service," Baier said. "Since they are a necessity, classes are usually able to continue on."

Another reason the University could be hesitant to declare snow days is because, unlike students attending public high school, University students pay for and expect to attend classes.

With finals rapidly approaching, some students may be praying to have finals postponed due to inclement weather, despite their investment in their education.

After 20 years, maybe a snow storm is due, then again maybe not. Feeling lucky?

12-03-98