Heavy snow and wind trigger rare campus weather closure

Contact: Cheryl Roland
Snow covered trees

WMU main campuses closed on Tuesday, Nov. 18, due to snowfall.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—An unusual late fall snowstorm closed the Western Michigan University campus Nov. 18, the earliest such closure in more than 25 years.

The main campus was closed after crews were unable to stay ahead of rapidly falling snow and clear campus parking lots. With a forecast of severe cold and continuing snowfall throughout the day, the decision to close was made shortly after 5:30 a.m. Most WMU regional facilities also closed for the day. Students at regional campuses should check the EUP website for information about specific locations.

Events scheduled on campus Tuesday also are canceled—some to be rescheduled. Events to be rescheduled included a planned simultaneous unveiling of LEED certification plaques for five WMU facilities.

The closure also has prompted changes to status and hours of some campus services. They include the following:

  • The Bernhard Center is open Tuesday, but the bookstore is closed. The Bernhard Computing Center will remain open.  Subway is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and PNC is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Waldo Library will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday. All branch libraries are closed.
  • The University Computing Center lab will be closed Tuesday.
  • Sindecuse Health Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • The Student Recreation Center will be open until 7:30 p.m. today.
  • The dining halls are open. For hours, visit wmich.edu/dining/hours.
  • Miller Auditorium's ticket office and administrative office are closed today. Tickets are available 24/7 at millerauditorium.com.

Event cancellations

  • "Living traditionally in a modern world: Native Americans of West Michigan adjusting to an ever growing and expanding world," 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the tennis courts at the Student Recreation Center. This event will be rescheduled.

Additional closure information will be posted as it is made known.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.

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WMU events canceled or rescheduled due to weather | Nov. 19, 2014
How to find out if WMU is closed | Nov. 14, 2014