Editor’s Note: Updated 2/16 4:15 p.m. Headline and article edited to reflect Wednesday class cancellations after a campus-wide email; Updated 2/16 1:08 p.m. to add in more campus location hours and services.

The university has canceled all virtual and in-person classes for Wednesday, Feb. 17 according to a campus-wide email sent at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. The communication reverses an email that SMU sent earlier in the day notifying faculty and students to expect the resumption of classes on Wednesday.

“Once the weather and power outages are resolved, we will notify campus about the continuation of classes as well as make-up days that may be required,” the Tuesday afternoon email said.

Read More: Classes Canceled through Tuesday; Students, Faculty Lack Communication

Students are not expected to turn in assignments or complete exams on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

Sherry Kunovich, the SAES associate provost emphasized the importance of faculty understanding toward students with assignments and test dates in a faculty-wide email on Tuesday morning.

“Some of our students have been without power and or internet for an extended period of time,” Kunovich wrote. “Even once SMU resumes classes, we know the winter weather may impact some students more than others. Anything you can do to be flexible will help ease their concerns.”

The Office of SAES also encouraged students to share concerns with faculty members if they believe a course expects an “unreasonable amount of work to be completed in preparation for Wednesday and Thursday.” If a reasonable solution is not found, students are encouraged to ask the Department Chair.

Campus Locations Currently Open

• Arnold Dining Hall: Limited take-out service, electricity and heat running
• Dr. Bob Smith Health Center (Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.): Open for telehealth, in-person medical care, pharmacy, and COVID-19 testing. Call 214-768-2141 to schedule an appointment.
• Hughes-Trigg Student Center (Closes at 9 p.m): Electricity and heat running; Emergency warm-up and power-up spot
• Fondren Library (Closes at 9 p.m): Emergency warm-up and power-up spot
• Umphrey-Lee Dining Hall: Dine-in service, electricity and heat running

Staying Warm Without Power

The National Weather Service tweeted the following advice:

• Close blinds and curtains to keep in some heat.
• Close off rooms to trap heat.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
• Eating and drinking provides energy to warm your body, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.