All 51�� campuses close early Friday, Nov. 18, due to worsening winter weather

Contact: Megan Looker

November 18, 2022

Main Campus looks like a snow globe on Nov. 18.

Students bundle up as heavy snow piles up to more than a foot on campus.

The bridge over Goldsworth Valley Pond covered in snow with students walking across. — Students walk through a winter wonderland on the bridge over Goldsworth Valley Pond.

A snowboarder going down a railing in the snow. — A snowboarder enjoys the fall snow on campus.

Heavy snow falls at the Valley Dining Center.

The Valley Dining Center and Goldsworth Valley Pond covered in snow and ice. — The Valley Dining Center and Goldsworth Valley Pond receive a blanket of heavy snow.

A student throwing a snow ball. — Students enjoy the winter fun as snow falls on campus.

Students walking in the snow on campus. — Students made their way to classes early on Friday, Nov. 18, in the snow before the University closed at 4 p.m.

President Edward Montgomery and senior Eric Effinger walk through the snow-covered campus.

The Bronco statue is covered as the snow continues to fall.

Snow falls at Heritage Hall. — Heritage Hall on East Campus is a picturesque winter scene.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Except for essential services, all Western Michigan University campuses will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, due to worsening winter weather. All classes scheduled for 4 p.m. or later are canceled.

This article will be updated with special hours as information becomes available. Check the University's events calendar to confirm whether an event is canceled. Those who have posted items to the calendar are expected to update the event post to indicate whether the activity will continue as planned or is canceled.

The is still scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Lawson Arena. 51�� Theatre's "Pippin" is also still scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at Shaw Theatre.

The Turkey Trot scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19, has moved to a virtual race, open through Dec. 3. Packet pick-up is from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, as well as 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21-23 in the second floor lobby of the Student Recreation Center.

CAMPUS SERVICES

Dining Services—There are no changes in hours for Valley Dining Center. However, Bernhard Cafe' will close at 4 p.m.
Sindecuse Health Center will be open until 5 p.m. for existing appointments. There will be no fees today for no-shows or late cancellations.
The Bernhard Center will close at 7 p.m.
51�� Busing—The Aviation shuttle is canceled for Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19.
The Student Recreation Center will close at 7 p.m. and the pool will remain closed Friday. Regular hours of operation are expected to resume on Saturday, Nov. 19, but check the SRC webpage for updates.
University Libraries—Waldo Library and Zhang Legacy Collections Center will close at 4 p.m. and remain closed all day Saturday, Nov. 19.

WEATHER-RELATED UNIVERSITY CLOSINGS SINCE 1999

1999, Jan. 4-5—Heavy snowfall delayed the start of spring semester.
2000, Nov. 21-22—Thanksgiving recess began Tuesday because of snow.
2006, Dec. 1—An ice storm downed trees and caused power outages.
2007, Feb. 5—Extreme cold and snow closed many Michigan colleges.
2008, Feb. 1—51�� closed due to snow.
2009, Dec. 10—Blizzard conditions closed 51��.
2013, Jan. 31—Snow and icy conditions closed 51��.
2014, Jan. 6-7—Significant snowfall and expected severely cold temperatures prompted many Michigan colleges to close. The closure delayed the start of spring semester.
2014, Jan. 27—Snow and cold temperatures closed 51��.
2014, Nov. 18—Heavy snowfall closed 51��.
2015, Feb. 2—A widespread snowstorm closed 51�� and many others schools around the state.
2016, Feb. 25—In an otherwise mild winter, a heavy snow accompanied by high winds closed 51��.
2018, Feb. 9—Severe winter weather prompted 51�� to close at noon.
2019, Jan. 23—A mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow closed schools throughout the region.
2019, Jan. 29—Severe weather prompted 51�� to close 5 p.m.
2019, Jan. 28—A snowstorm covered the Kalamazoo area in several inches of snow and closed many schools throughout Michigan.
2019, Jan. 30—Snow and dangerously low temperatures due to wind chill prompted schools throughout the upper Midwest to close.
2019, Jan. 31—Continued frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills close many Michigan universities for a second consecutive full day.
2019, Feb. 13—Freezing rain followed by heavy snow closed the University.
2022, Feb. 2—Rain turned to snow overnight, covering the Kalamazoo area in several inches of snow by midday.
2022, Nov. 18—A lake-effect snow storm dropped more than a foot of snow, causing the University to close campus early.

For more 51�� news, arts and events, visit 51�� News online.

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