Inclement Weather Notifications 2/3/22

This message was sent to the WPI Community.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the City of Worcester and a Winter Storm Warning for parts of Worcester County.  These go into effect Friday morning, February 4, 2022, through Friday night. A “wintry mix” of rain, sleet and snow is expected to begin early Friday morning and a rapid drop to freezing temperatures may cause hazardous travel conditions tomorrow. Freezing rain will last much of the day before transitioning back to a wintry mix in the afternoon.

Continued freezing temperatures will likely cause icy conditions over the next few days. WPI’s grounds team will work continuously to clear and maintain walkways and surface areas. However, we encourage everyone on campus to exercise caution during the storm. 

Campus Operations 

Campus operations are not expected to be impacted. There is no change to dining options and hours or to usual building hours.  

Classes will be held as scheduled. Faculty concerned about travel should notify their students if they plan to shift to remote delivery. Students concerned about traveling to campus are encouraged to contact their faculty or review the course syllabus and website for instructions on remote access to classes. 

Employees concerned about traveling to campus should contact their immediate supervisor and determine if a “remote work” option for the day is appropriate.

COVID Testing 

The COVID Testing Center in Harrington Auditorium is closed Fridays; the testing trailer will remain open as scheduled. No impact is expected on Sunday’s regularly scheduled testing.

Parking Modifications 

There is no expected change to parking; all WPI parking lots and garages remain open. 

Students: The City of Worcester has not yet declared a parking ban, but students who park on city streets are welcomed to move their vehicles to the Gateway Garage only if they would like. The Gateway Garage will be open as of 5 pm this evening (Thursday, February 3); gates will open upon approach. Vehicles should be removed by 8 pm Saturday, February 5. Students are asked not to park in the Park Avenue Garage. 

PLEASE NOTE: The City of Worcester will tow cars left on the street if there is a declared parking ban. The city imposes its own parking restrictions on city streets bordering the campus. Those restrictions are in effect and will be enforced until the city declares the parking ban has ended. All Worcester municipal garages are open and free during the city’s parking ban. Parking fees are imposed once the parking ban lifts. More information is available at http://www.worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking. We encourage you to sign up for the city’s parking alerts via this site. 

Shuttles

At this time, there is no change to the shuttle services or schedules. 

Should you find yourself in an on-campus emergency situation, please call WPI Campus Police at 508-831-5555.

 

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

 

Art Heinricher, Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Terri Camesano, Dean of Graduate Studies

Philip Clay, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs

Michael Horan, Executive Vice President/CFO

Lauren Turner, Senior Vice President, Talent & Inclusion