Grambling State to adjust operations schedule amid potential icy weather

Classes to be held virtually February 4

Grambling, La – February 3, 2022 – Grambling State University will adjust its delivery of classes to virtual format due to the potential of ice accumulation on roads as winter weather is predicted to roll into Lincoln Parish.

“Evening classes today — Feb. 3 — that do not end by 5 p.m., and all classes on Friday, Feb. 4, will be taught online,” said GSU Provost Dr. Connie Walton this afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for all of north-central Louisiana until 9 p.m. today. Due to temperatures expected to drop below freezing tonight resulting in icy road conditions that could cause hazardous and dangerous driving conditions.

Lincoln Parish Director of Homeland Security issued an advisory Thursday afternoon saying that As this winter weather system moves across our area in northern Louisiana and temperatures approach the freezing mark or below, hazardous travel conditions will exist as roads, bridges, sidewalks, overpasses, etc., will be likely impacted and may not be safe.

The NWS said that up to 1/10 of an inch of freezing rain/ice accumulation and up to 1/4-inch of snow/sleet amounts is possible in northern Louisiana, and that ice and snow accumulations will create hazardous travel conditions through Friday. The NWS also said that isolated power outages could occur due to ice on power lines and tree limbs.

“Only get out and/or drive if absolutely necessary and practice defensive driving techniques,” said GSU Special Assistant on Campus Safety Dr. Quentin M. Holmes.

“Check batteries in flashlights in case of power outages. GSUPD will monitor roads on campus and close when appropriate.”

In addition to adjusted class delivery, the Grambling State University Emergency Team working in collaboration with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs issued the following advisories for GSU:

  • Campus Operations: (faculty and staff): employees are asked to leave by 3:30 p.m. today; facilities management personnel and GSUPD will report to work as usual. All other personnel should consult with their supervisor before returning to work Friday, February 4.
  • Food Services: The GSU Dining Hall will open Friday at 9 AM and close at 10 PM instead of midnight on Friday and Saturday.
    • The Jacob T. Stewart convenience store will close tomorrow.
    • Tiger Express will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
    • Transportation services have been canceled today and tomorrow.
  • Campus meetings will be held remotely.
  • Students, faculty, and staff are asked to consider delaying long-distance travel on roadways until this weather system passes.
  • All Black History Month activities are postponed today and Friday.
  • Cheer practice and aerobics have been canceled for today and tomorrow.
  • All activities planned by Campus Activities and Student Engagement for today and Friday have been postponed until a later date.

Updates on campus operations will be shared on the institution’s Twitter page via twiter.com/grambling1901.