February 1, 2022
To: Members of the University Community
From: Ka Yee C. Lee, Provost, and Katie Callow-Wright, Executive Vice President of the University and Chief of Staff in the Office of the President
Subject: Inclement Weather Forecast
Date: February 1, 2022
The National Weather Service announced a winter storm warning for the Chicago region, starting at 8 p.m. tonight and lasting until 6 p.m. Wednesday. The area could see snow accumulation of 5 to 11 inches, with snowfall expected to vary across the region. According to the forecast, travel will become very difficult and hazardous conditions will affect morning and evening commutes.
While the University is proceeding with plans for classes on Wednesday, we recognize that the storm will affect some people’s ability to travel to Hyde Park or downtown facilities, particularly at the expected height of the storm on Wednesday and in areas that are most affected. The storm may also impact K-12 schools, creating childcare challenges for parents.
University employees who can perform their jobs remotely are encouraged to do so. UChicago Medicine and Biological Sciences Division personnel who perform essential clinical or other functions will be expected to work. Other employees should consult with their supervisors if they have barriers that prevent them from working in-person if they were scheduled to do so.
Instructors have discretion in using remote options during the next two days of difficult weather, and students should inform their instructors if they are unable to attend scheduled in-person classes. Some non-critical operations are likely to be adjusted, scaled back or canceled if there are staff capacity challenges. The Laboratory Schools and UChicago Charter School will communicate separately concerning their operating schedules.
Please use extreme caution in planning any travel during this time, and take extra precautions if you must travel. Consult the Illinois Department of Transportation throughout the storm period for the latest road conditions in Illinois.
The University is closely monitoring the impact of this weather system, and we will communicate any changes to campus operations as quickly as possible. We appreciate everyone’s patience over the next two days of the predicted weather challenges.