Hello everyone,
I’ve been reassigned from weekly COVID updates to the weather desk. Here’s important information about expected campus impact from the snowstorm that’s forecast to start this afternoon:
The Albany office of the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch from later today through Saturday morning. The forecasts vary, but as of now total accumulations could reach 6 to 12 inches locally, with up to 24 inches at higher elevations. Travel is likely to be very difficult or even impossible at times.
What’s the impact for us at Williams? Here’s the quick summary, with more details below:
- Administrative offices will move to a 10 AM delayed opening tomorrow.
- The Children’s Center will open at 9:30 Friday for drop-offs.
- We’re meeting at 6 AM Friday to reassess conditions and will notify staff and faculty by 8 AM whether we need to move to a total closure of administrative offices, based on the latest information.
- All exams will continue as scheduled.
- Saturday Motorcoach buses are expected to leave on time. Students, if you’ve booked a Saturday ride please keep an eye on your Williams inbox for updates.
- Also check the Dining website for news about any impact on dining service or schedules.
Given how many staff and faculty commute to campus, including from higher-elevation areas like Florida, Savoy, Bennington, etc., the decisionmaking team (names listed below) take a broad geographical view and plan for the safety of our whole community.
Now here’s the more detailed version:
Staff
- College administrative offices will move to a delayed opening schedule for tomorrow (Friday), opening at 10 AM. The Children’s Center will open at 9:30 AM to accept drop-offs.
- If you’re able to work remotely tomorrow, please take all needed materials with you when you leave today.
- Staff designated as “essential” for the purpose of weather emergencies (e.g., Campus Safety, Facilities and Dining) should report to work as directed by your supervisors.
- We understand many staff may have to contend with school closures and other factors tomorrow. If you’re unable to travel to campus, contact your supervisor and make arrangements to use appropriate remote work options or leave benefits. See the Weather-Related Leave Policy for additional guidance.
- There’s a possibility that conditions could worsen, making a full closure necessary for tomorrow. Given the uncertain track of the storm, we’ll monitor conditions and inform you by 8 AM of a final decision either way—earlier, if possible.
- Announcements will also be made on the Human Resources website, local television station WTEN/News 10, and via the college’s weather line (a/k/a the ICEY line) at 413-597-ICEY (597-4239).
- If you have questions regarding your specific circumstances, contact your department head or any member of the Human Resources staff.
Faculty
- Friday exams will continue as scheduled. Facilities expects to be able to clear all campus sidewalks, paths and roads and keep them clear throughout the day.
- Since the Winter Storm Watch ends on Saturday morning, exams on Saturday and Sunday are not affected and will also continue as scheduled.
- We know many of you may have to contend with school closures and other factors tomorrow, too, so appreciate your commitment.
Students
- Friday exams will continue as scheduled. Facilities expects to be able to clear all campus sidewalks, paths and roads and keep them clear throughout the day.
- Since the Winter Storm Watch ends on Saturday morning, exams on Saturday and Sunday are not affected and will also continue as scheduled.
- Check the Dining website for the latest news about dining facility hours. We’ll do everything possible to avoid an impact to late night, while ensuring the safety of Dining staff.
- If you have reservations on the Saturday Motorcoaches, they’re still expected to leave on schedule. Please be there to board on time… and dress appropriately for the weather! (Thank you for tolerating my parental instincts.)
- If we have to change the Saturday bus times for safety reasons we’ll inform you ASAP by email, so please check your inbox regularly between now and your departure time.
- We see no reason to expect that the weather would affect the later Saturday or Sunday Motorcoach schedules.
- That’s it for now. Again, we’ll be back in touch with staff and faculty by 8 AM Friday, with a further update. In the meantime, thanks for helping us prepare for the possibility of our first big storm of the season.
Jim Reische, on behalf of the whole winter weather team:
Temesgen Araya, Director of Dining Services
Carrie Gagne, Director of the Williams College Children’s Center
Danielle Gonzalez, Chief Human Resources Officer
Amalio Jusino, Associate Director and Director for Emergency Management, Campus Safety Services
Jeanette Kopczynski, Associate Director of Dining Services
Dan Levering, Associate Director of Facilities Management
Eric Sullivan, Director of Campus Safety Services
Michael Wagner, Vice President for Finance & Operations, Treasurer
Alison Warner, Deputy Director for Operations, Campus Safety Services
Dave Waynick, Director of Administrative Services
Safa Zaki, Dean of Faculty, John B. McCoy and John T. McCoy Professor of Psychology