The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/4/09 Section: Opinions

MICHAEL F. ADAMS

University of Georgia weather-related decisions are complex and involve many factors. The primary question we ask is, "Can we open and operate the institution in accordance with the University's mission in a manner that is sensitive to the safety and well-being of the members of our university community?"

When the snowstorm hit Athens on Sunday afternoon, a decision was made to close school on Monday after consultation with public safety and Physical Plant officials and climatology experts in Athens. Physical Plant and public safety crews immediately began addressing safety and maintenance issues and continued to do so well into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

I drove and walked across the campus both Monday and Tuesday, and I also drove to Atlanta and back on Monday. Like most people in our community, I was without electricity at my home.

After evaluating the condition of the campus and community roads and facilities, it was determined that the majority of the faculty, staff and students could make it to campus so that we could operate on our regular business schedule and the important work of the University could continue.

I stand by that decision.

Although our policy is to make these decisions on 6 a.m. of the morning of classes, we felt it important on both days to make that decision 12 hours earlier than normal in order to give everyone the opportunity to make any necessary preparations.

We acknowledged that there would be some challenges, and Provost Arnett Mace sent a memo this morning asking faculty members to be considerate of students who were unable to arrive in time for early classes.

The University of Georgia is, in essence, a small city of about 50,000 people. A constant flurry of activity takes place on this campus at all hours of the day, every day of the week. In addition to classes, there are research projects and animals to monitor, cultural and athletic events to conduct, and thousands of students and guests to feed through our food service operation.

Many have commented on the fact that the Clarke County School District canceled classes Tuesday. I do not disagree with the superintendent, who is dealing with school children 4 -18 years of age. However, ours is a community of adults, and given the conditions, I did not think this decision was an unreasonable one. It is also important to note that, other than the Clarke County School System, I know of no other business or state, federal or county office in Athens that was closed on Tuesday.

Each of these matters, in addition to fact that this is the week before Spring Break when many professors are giving midterm exams, were all taken into account when we made the ultimate decision to open the University for regular business on Tuesday.

I regret that some individuals were inconvenienced, yet I maintain that the work done here every day must go forward whenever possible.

I close this letter with a nod of gratitude to all of the employees, especially the Physical Plant employees, housing and food service staff, and public safety officers, who tirelessly worked day and night to remove trees, to clear roadways and sidewalks, and to provide service to our students and help get this campus up and running after a beautiful snow day.

- Michael F. Adams is the president of the University.

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