UPDATE: Cold compels Iowa’s public universities to move classes online Tuesday, semester start

UPDATE: Due to arctic temperatures creating dangerous conditions across the state, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa have followed the University of Iowa in canceling in-person classes Tuesday and asking instructors to convene online instead.

Both Iowa State and UNI reported reduced campus operations as well, advising supervisors to allow flexibility for employees to work remotely if possible.

“Supervisors in police, public safety, security, power plant, food service, health care, animal care and critical maintenance should make arrangements for team members to report safely to campus,” according to an Iowa State update on its weather-related changes. “Employees who cannot make it to campus should contact their supervisors.

“During the partial closure, all academic buildings will be locked.”

IOWA CITY — Given wind chills in Johnson County could plummet to 35 degrees below zero Tuesday, the University of Iowa on Friday announced it’s moving classes online Tuesday, the first day of the spring semester.

“If it is not possible to teach your class via Zoom, you may cancel class but must cover Tuesday’s material in an upcoming class period or on the ICON course site,” according to guidance sent to UI instructors Friday.

Administrators also encouraged instructors to be flexible with students who can’t attend — even via Zoom — due to weather-related issues, and to make sure course material covered is available on the university’s ICON course site.

Classes will resume as scheduled Wednesday, UI officials said. And UI offices will remain open as scheduled — with employees urged to come in, “safety permitting.”

“In all cases, we urge students, faculty and staff to use good judgment and avoid serious risks during extreme weather conditions,” the UI message stated.

In the university’s afternoon message to students about Tuesday’s changes, officials urged any student event organizers to cancel their plans, “given the extreme weather.”

“These wind chills can cause frostbite in less than 10 minutes,” the message stated.

In Cedar Falls, home to the University of Northern Iowa, a “wind chill watch” is in effect through early Tuesday morning — unlike in Iowa City, where a “hazardous outlook” warns of wind chills dropping to minus 40 through Tuesday.

UNI, therefore, is “still evaluating,” spokesman Pete Moris said of plans for Tuesday.

Iowa State University in Ames also hadn’t announced any changes for Tuesday as of Friday afternoon — although the campus did partially close Friday due to blizzard conditions.

“Students moving back into the residence halls will still have access on Friday,” according to ISU guidance. "Spring semester classes are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 16. University leaders will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide a campus update on Monday.“

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com