The University of St. Thomas will cancel classes and will be closed on Monday, Jan. 6, for everyone except emergency essential employees, because of the anticipated subzero weather.
Dr. Susan Huber, executive vice president and provost, made the decision Friday after consulting with other area universities and learning that Gov. Mark Dayton would close K-12 schools throughout Minnesota.
“With high temperatures expected to be 15 below in the Twin Cities area on Monday and wind chills far more severe, it makes sense to close the university and have as many people as possible stay home,” Huber said.
The closing will affect about 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled for January Term classes at St. Thomas. St. Catherine and Hamline, which have J-Term classes, also will be closed.
Monday evening’s men’s and women’s basketball games with Bethel have been postponed to Jan. 13.
Emergency essential employees are required to report to work as scheduled. They are Public Safety officers, IRT server administrators, Resident Dining Food Service workers and certain Physical Plant employees, including managers, building service workers, grounds workers, shift supervisors and managers, maintenance mechanics and electricians. If you are unsure whether you are an emergency essential employee, please contact your manager.
Essential employees will be compensated according to the university’s Inclement Weather Closing Policy, except those who are represented by a union will be paid according to their collective bargaining agreement.
