Winter weather impact on schedules and operations at Elon

By Eric Townsend, staff

January 8, 2025

A wet, heavy snow covers the lawn and trees in front of the Alamance Building during a winter storm that hit Elon and much of North Carolina Monday, January 3, 2022.

All winter storm warnings and advisories have been canceled following overnight snow and ice from Jan. 10-11, 2025. Read this story for a list of updates and information distributed to campus by Elon University officials as they prepared for weather impacts.

FINAL PLANNED UPDATE (SATURDAY, JAN. 11, at 8 a.m.)

Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community
January 11, 2025

**

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The precipitation has ended and all winter storm warnings and advisories have been canceled. In our area, the storm brought less snow and more sleet, ice, and freezing rain than originally predicted. Campus roads and sidewalks are in good condition and Facilities Management will continue to clear campus sidewalks, parking lots, ramps, and steps.

Lingering precipitation that melts onto surfaces during warmer daytime conditions can re-freeze when temperatures drop in the evening, causing slippery spots. For the next several days, extra caution should be used when traveling.

Most campus services and facilities (including Moseley Center, Mail Services, Student Health Services, and Campus Recreation facilities) will maintain their regular Winter Term hours today. The only schedule alterations of which we are aware at this time include:

  • Belk Library will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Several Elon Dining locations will operate on altered schedules. Locations open today include:
  1. McEwen and Lakeside Dining Halls – open for brunch (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and dinner (5-8 p.m.)
  2. Biscuitville – open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  3. Fountain Market – open noon – 8 p.m.
  4. Flat Out – open noon – 10 p.m.
  • Weather permitting, other dining locations such as Einstein’s and/or Qdoba may open. Hours can sometimes shift at the last minute due to staffing, so always check the Elon Dining Menu/Hours for the most updated information.

At this time, we anticipate that all campus services will return to their standard Winter Term schedule tomorrow (Sunday).

This is our last planned update about this storm. Thank you for your flexibility as we navigated the challenging conditions on campus and in the region.

—

Jon Dooley, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life
jdooley4@elon.edu

FRIDAY, JAN. 10, at 9:20 a.m.

Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community

**

Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,

  • On Friday, January 10, Elon University classes will conclude at 3 p.m. and most university offices will close at that time, other than services that typically remain open on evenings and weekends.
  • Undergraduate Winter Term morning classes will be held during their standard time and afternoon classes will be held from 1:30-3 p.m.
  • Graduate program directors will communicate directly with students and faculty about class schedules.

This is the Friday update regarding preparations for the upcoming winter weather. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the region from this afternoon through tomorrow morning, with light to moderate precipitation expected – a mix of snow, sleet, and ice, depending upon the location, exact path of the storm, and temperatures at the time. Forecasters indicate that changes in the predictions are still possible over the next 12 hours.

Light snow may arrive in Elon and Greensboro around 3-5 p.m., becoming heavier later in the evening and overnight. Elon and Greensboro are in the zone where current predictions indicate the precipitation will be mostly in the form of snow, with the possibility of some sleet in the early morning hours. By the time the storm is complete, there could be 3-4 inches total in our area. Minor to moderate impacts to travel are expected in our area later tonight into tomorrow, and scattered power outages are possible. Following the previous guidance for preparation (found below) is recommended.

Most campus services and facilities (including Moseley Center, Student Health Services, and Campus Recreation facilities) will maintain their regular hours throughout the evening and weekend. In addition to the changes listed above, the schedule alterations we are aware of at this time include:

  • The start time for this evening’s women’s basketball game against Hampton University will be 5 p.m. (instead of the originally scheduled 7 p.m.) Fans are encouraged to plan accordingly and travel safely to and from the game. Updates regarding weather and any further schedule adjustments will be posted on ElonPhoenix.com and the official Elon Phoenix social media channels.
  • Alterations to Elon Dining hours this evening include Qdoba closing at 10 p.m., and Flat Out and Late Night Dining at Lakeside closing at 11 p.m. Hours can sometimes shift at the last minute due to staffing, so always check the Elon Dining Menu/Hours for the most updated information.
  • Belk Library will close at 4 p.m. today and will be open tomorrow from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Facilities Management and Campus Safety and Police will be working to clear campus sidewalks and parking lots during the storm, but as local road conditions become affected, nonessential vehicle travel later this evening and in the overnight hours is not recommended.

Our next planned update about this storm will be late morning tomorrow (Saturday), unless an earlier message is warranted. In addition to email, Today at Elon, E-Alert text messages, and Elon social media accounts (including Instagram and Facebook) are all good sources of information.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, at 5 p.m.

Message from Joe LeMire, Elon University Chief of Police

**

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

With the impending winter snow/ice event Friday evening through Saturday morning, Facilities Management and Campus Safety & Police are working to prepare campus for snow removal and ice mitigation.  To enhance that process we ask that you move your cars by 5 p.m. Friday, January 10 (if you are on campus and able to do so) from the following priority parking lots:

  • Oaks Faculty/Staff spaces bordering Williamson Avenue
  • Koury Lot
  • Inman Admissions
  • McMichael Lot
  • Innovation Quad
  • Linder Lots
  • Mooney Lot
  • Small lot between Clohan Hall and Story Hall

After this 5 p.m. Friday time, and for the remainder of the weekend, you may use any open parking spot on campus that is not marked as designated/reserved/saved. Students should return to their designated parking lots by 7 a.m. Monday morning, unless further direction is provided.

Note: Please do not drive if the weather is such that it makes driving unsafe.

We thank you for your cooperation while we make this process as orderly and safe as possible. REMINDER: Parking at The Inn at Elon, is reserved for hotel guests only.

If you have any questions, please contact Campus Safety and Police 336-278-5555.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, at 12:15 p.m.

Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community
January 9, 2025

**

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for central North Carolina, anticipating winter weather in our region this weekend. Precipitation is currently expected to arrive in the form of light snow between 3-5 p.m. Friday, with the most significant impact to travel conditions occurring later Friday night through Saturday morning. Although you may see very different predictions, as of the latest update this morning, the current forecast is for several inches of snow, with a possible mix of rain, sleet, and/or ice, depending upon the temperatures and ultimate timing and path of the storm. The forecast can change significantly leading up to a storm of this nature, but in our area, a mix of snow, ice, and wind gusts can lead to hazardous travel conditions, downed trees and branches, and scattered power outages, so it is important to be prepared.

University officials are actively monitoring forecasts, and staff in Facilities Management, Campus Safety and Police, Student Life, and Dining Services have begun to prepare the campus for the possibility of severe weather. Information about the storm and its impact on the university can be found on Today at Elon. The article on this storm is already posted and will be updated with any changes or current information throughout the weekend.

This message includes information about preparing for what we might expect on campus and in the area.

How should students prepare?

  • Be ready for the possibility of power outages; review the advice for “Power Outage Tips” in the campus Emergency Response Guide.
  • Charge cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices – including portable chargers – in advance of storms.
  • Know where you can find a flashlight (ideally separate from your phone), medications, and any other supplies you might need.
  • Avoid car travel in snow and ice conditions; those who are new to this area should be aware that snowfall or ice can cause significant travel disruptions and unsafe conditions in this region. Check the forecast and conditions before you leave your residence on Saturday.

Are there changes to campus services this weekend?

  • Many campus operations will keep their regular Winter Term hours this weekend, but we also plan to send out a follow-up message tomorrow (Friday) to confirm any planned alterations.
  • Changes will typically be announced in advance, but can sometimes shift at the last-minute, based on staffing levels and area conditions.
  • Always check the Elon Dining Menu and Hours website for the latest information about what’s open and what’s on the menu.

How do I stay informed?

It is important that everyone continue to monitor news and weather forecasts and watch for Elon announcements throughout the storm. These are your primary sources of Elon information:

We are planning for an email update to the community tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, once more precise information about the weather forecast and conditions is available.