The Fredericksburg region now has a Winter Storm Warning in effect from Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26. In addition to significant snow, sleet and ice, forecasts indicate prolonged cold conditions following the storm, with temperatures expected to remain in the mid-20s. A Cold Weather Advisory is also in effect tonight, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m. through Jan. 24 at 10 a.m.
All public events on UMW campuses should conclude by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. Public events are cancelled on Sunday, Jan. 25.
UMW campuses will be closed from 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 through Monday, Jan. 26, with virtual class options.
In-person classes and public events will not be held on Monday, Jan. 26, on the Fredericksburg, Stafford or Dahlgren Campuses. Please look for communication from your instructors for alternative class planning on Monday.
Faculty have the discretion to cancel class or switch to another modality or assignment, including holding class virtually. If virtual instruction involves a synchronous element, the meeting time must be during the normal class meeting time. Faculty are responsible for informing students of their intention. However, students should not be penalized if they are unable to attend or complete assignments virtually during the inclement weather period.
Employees should work from home (telework) on Monday, Jan. 26, and plan with their supervisor for options. Employees who are designated as essential should report to work as specified by their supervisor.
What to do today, Jan. 23
If you park on campus after 5 p.m., move your car to designated areas.
Snow emergency parking restrictions will be in effect beginning Friday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m., through the weekend until further notice. Lots will be pretreated prior to the winter storm and must be cleared to facilitate snow removal. Vehicles remaining in snow emergency parking areas on Saturday will be towed.
Vehicles must be moved to the Battleground lot #33 off Hanover St., William St. lot, Sunken Road lots, or lower levels of the parking decks.
The top level of the parking decks will be closed, as these areas ice quickly. Eagle Landing residents should move vehicles to lower levels of the deck. Do not park on College Avenue as the city will also be clearing snow.
What to do Saturday, Jan. 24 through Jan. 26
Dining Services will offer meal pick-up on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, from 2-4 p.m. from the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center for students with meal plans. The Sunday pick-up will include meals through Monday morning. Residence Life has shared the scheduled for pick-up for residential students.
The Top of the Cedric Rucker University Center and retail dining spaces will close Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. Sign up and follow the UMWFoodies by texting 82257 for text updates on dining operations, which are also shared on UMW Dining on Facebook.
Meal pick-up for students with meal plans will be scheduled again on Monday, Jan. 26 from 2-4 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center, first floor, and will include a hot take-out dinner meal and continental breakfast for Tuesday morning. Please pick up by the residence hall schedule. Retail dining shops will remain closed.
Student Activities and Engagement will also offer “take and make” activities from the Cedric Rucker University Center – SAE Office Suite.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management shares several tips to prepare for a winter storm in their online guide. A few quick tips are to have extra supplies in case of a power outage, including extra jackets or blankets to stay warm, and make sure flashlights are charged or you have batteries. Extra water and food are also recommended.
Do not travel during the storm.
We’ll continue to update campus through the weekend on any additional schedule changes. Campus updates will be provided by email as communication channels stay online. Information is also updated on the University Information Line, which can be reached at (540) 654-2424. Updates will be shared via social media and the media as we can, but please check email first. Campus operations and schedule changes are communicated via email and the UMW website. Residential students should look for updates from Residence Life.
Resources and Reminders
- City of Fredericksburg news and updates – check for social media to follow and receive updates via Fredericksburg Alerts, or look for similar sign-up options in the city, county, or area where you live.
- VDOT news and updates, and Virginia 511 system for road information
- Ready.gov information on winter weather
- Ready.gov information on emergency kits
Students can also access on-demand, free mental health services any time via TimelyCare, online or via the app. Go to timelycare.com/umw or download the TimelyCare app to access care via Apple App Store or Google Play Store. TimelyCare’s TalkNow is available 24 hours a day.
TimelyCare uses single sign-on so you’ll access it with your UMW NetID – just using umw.edu at the end (mail.umw.edu will not work). Please note that you’ll complete an information form on your first visit to the site.
For faculty and staff, information about the Employee Assistance Program may be accessed through the Human Resources website.
Thank you for staying informed and staying safe during the storm.