There’s something about a snow day that awakens the child inside each of us.
We don’t get many snow days at Arkansas Tech University, and each of us — students, faculty and staff — have been working hard on our daily tasks and doing a good job protecting each other from the spread of COVID-19.
Based upon the current weather and what is forecast to continue into tomorrow, I propose that we enjoy the beauty of the snowfall and take a good, old-fashioned snow day on Monday, Feb. 15. Regardless of how you like to spend a snow day — building a snowman, playing with your kids, sledding or just curling up with a book and a warm beverage — I encourage you to do that and as little else as possible on Monday, Feb. 15.
Arkansas Tech University will be closed and all classes are canceled (Russellville campus, Ozark campus and Arkansas Tech Career Center) for Monday, Feb. 15. I understand some operations must continue, and I express sincere appreciation to the individuals who will carry out those tasks and ensure our buildings are warm, our residential students are safe and fed, our campuses are secure and our technology resources remain available.
Click on the link below for updates on those operations:
www.arkansastechnews.com/winter-weather-whats-open-and-when-feb-14-15
We won’t be able to do this every time we have inclement weather. ATU students make a significant investment in their education and we have a responsibility to take every step possible to provide them with return on that investment. Virtual days allow ATU to fulfill that responsibility when circumstances do not allow for in-person instruction and operations.
We also have a responsibility to ourselves, and each other, to pause every once in a while, allow our minds and bodies to recharge and take stock of all that is good in our lives. That is what snow days are for, and that’s what we are going to do at Arkansas Tech University on Monday, Feb. 15.
As you likely already know, the forecast for Tuesday, Feb. 16, and beyond indicates we may be faced with adverse weather conditions for much of the week. ATU is prepared to pivot to virtual instruction and operations on Tuesday, Feb. 16, and any subsequent days this week that are negatively affected by inclement weather. You will receive that information via e-mail, ATU social media, www.arkansastechnews.com, OneTech announcements and media outlets as those decisions are made.
For now, enjoy our snow day on Monday and take care.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robin E. Bowen
President
