Cold Call

A few inches of snow, some ice, and temperatures around 0 degrees did not stop Delta students on their quest for knowledge. Almost every school in Mid-Michigan made the choice to close on Tuesday, Jan. 28. But Delta’s administration stood by their judgment call to stay open, and created quite a campus controversy.

“The big thing is, we don't want anybody to endanger their life and so we leave that decision up to students to make for themselves,” said Delta College President Jean Goodnow. “Our instructors here at the college, I think, are very accommodating and very understanding. If students call and say ‘I'm not gonna be able to make it,’ I think they understand and will accommodate them.”

Dan DeCorte, 23, of Saginaw, said the snow and freezing cold did not cause him to change his routine or threaten his safety while driving.

“The cold didn’t affect me in the morning,” Decorte said, “but after my night class I could really feel the negative 20 degree air.”

According to Goodnow, a decision is made by around 6 a.m. on days with possible inclimate weather, to ensure all students and faculty all receive the message. A team of administrators and support staff investigate the conditions, but the final decision is made by Goodnow.

One of the people Goodnow consults is the college’s director of Facilities, Larry Ramseyer.

“We felt that these conditions, yes, they were cold. But Delta is a little unique. We have a building where all of our areas are interconnected,” Ramseyer said. “Students aren't walking between buildings to classes so we felt we probably should stay open.”

Ramseyer felt that students with transportation issues, students with children who had a snow day, and those who felt the commute was unsafe should make arrangements ahead of time, in case Delta stays open in less than ideal conditions.

“It’s a personal decision when you drive anywhere, including to Delta,” Ramseyer said. “Everyone needs to take the appropriate actions on their own... If you're going to school you need to have a backup plan for these situations.”

Steve Witzke, Delta’s Director of Public Safety, agreed that it is up to the students and faculty to take their own precautions in bad weather.

“Delta College is a place that you mature from high school,” Witzke said. “It’s your job and responsibility to go to school and learn. If it had been dangerous out, I have no doubt in my mind we would have closed down.”

While the administration stood united on staying open, some professors and students disagreed with the decision. A few instructors cancelled their own sections and many students chose to forego classes due to weather.

There were mixed feelings between both faculty and students on Delta’s lack of a snow day, according to Elizabeth Ullrich, Political Science professor and chair of the Faculty Executive Committee, which is the communication link between faculty and administration.

“I can see both sides,” she said.

According to Ullrich, some felt that holding classes was dangerous and did not take into account the safety of non traditional students. Many students ride the bus, and stand out waiting in subzero temperatures, students make the trek from outside the Tri-Cities, or do not have the privilege of a reliable vehicle that will start and run well in the cold.

Ullrich also sympathized with students and instructors who have jam packed course schedules.

“For those with a set curriculum having a snow day screws that up,” Ullrich said.

According to Ullrich, the responsibility falling on students to decide between taking an absence that may count against their grade or taking the risk in the weather left some bitter. The responsibility of professors to cancel individual sections is dependant on their curriculum and number of vacation days left. Cancellation will result in a dock in pay for adjunct professors and some other faculty.

Ullrich stated that for some, this cold weather school day weakened morale on campus and caused confusion.

In case of cold weather, students can call the weather line for information regarding possible snow days at (989) 686-9179. Students may also sign up for SMS alerts by texting DELTAEMG to 888777