How cold is too cold?: Why UMich rarely closes for extreme cold

As Ann Arbor endures a cold snap this week, University of Michigan students may wonder how low temperatures have to be in order to affect school and campus operations. This week, lows dipped below zero, with wind chills approaching dangerous levels. Despite the bitter cold, the University of Michigan remained open, adhering to its policy of staying operational whenever possible.

On Tuesday, Ann Arbor Public Schools, Eastern Michigan University and other local school districts closed due to extremely low temperatures. 

The University of Michigan, however, has only had two closures related to extreme cold weather since 1978. The most recent University closure due to dangerously low temperatures on the Ann Arbor campus was in January 2019.  The only other instance of canceled class for cold conditions was Jan. 28, 2014, when temperatures plummeted to a record-low 11 degrees below zero, accompanied by wind chills near minus 30 degrees. 

This week, the National Weather Service recorded below-zero temperatures in Ann Arbor, with wind chill values making it feel significantly colder. Tuesday’s wind chill hit minus 19 degrees and Wednesday is projected to lower to minus 20 degrees. 

In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Family Nurse Practitioner Jeremy Merchant, who has experience treating cold-weather injuries in clinical settings, outlined the risks for frostbite as cold temperatures persist.

“Frostbite becomes a significant risk when temperatures fall below 5 degrees Fahrenheit, with exposed skin vulnerable to injury within 30 minutes,” Merchant said. “To prevent frostbite, people should wear layered, protective clothing that covers all exposed skin, seek shelter, maintain hydration and nutrition and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.” 

In an email to The Daily, University Spokesperson Kay Jarvis explained that weather forecasts are closely monitored when extreme conditions are expected.

“University policy is to remain open, if at all possible,” Jarvis wrote. “When forecasts call for extreme weather, a team of facilities and safety personnel begins monitoring and evaluating several considerations. The National Weather Service provides information on potential severe weather conditions, and the team also considers the potential impact on transportation and infrastructure (buildings and utilities).”

Some students, however, question whether the policy is appropriate for extreme cold.

In an interview with The Daily, LSA freshman Morgan Morris expressed her concerns about navigating campus during extremely cold weather. 

“Of course, it’s Michigan and schools cannot always close when it snows, but when housing has to send out an email warning students of record low temperatures and how to best prepare for them, I think it’s important that the University takes that into account,” Morris said. “Especially since if classes aren’t cancelled in this weather, most students just aren’t going to show up to class and end up missing things.” 

Decisions about short-term emergency reductions in operations are made by University President Santa Ono or a designee, with advice from the University’s executive vice presidents and Melissa Overton, deputy chief of police for Division of Public Safety and Security. During these emergency reductions, only faculty and staff designated as critical by their respective schools, colleges or administrative units report to campus.

According to Jarvis, critical services that remain operational during emergency reductions include the Dean of Students Office, dining services, student life facilities (including custodial and maintenance staff), housing, University Union buildings and medical services at University Health Service.   

Jarvis also highlighted support available to students during severe cold conditions.

“If a student has concerns about their off-campus housing situation—such as no heat or electricity—the Dean of Students Office can connect with their property manager or identify other support,” Jarvis wrote. 

Daily News Editor Emma Spring can be reached at sprinemm@umich.edu.

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