Unusual for UI, ISU and UNI all to close for weather

IOWA CITY - It's a rare storm that closes Iowa's three regent universities on the same day, given the distance between the schools and the infrequency with which they call off classes. This dumping of snow followed by blizzard conditions was just such a storm, shuttering the campuses of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa today.

"Virtually the entire state is covered by this," ISU Spokesman John McCarroll said.

Other than the June 2008 flood, when the UI canceled classes for nearly a week, the UI last canceled a full day of classes due to severe weather on Dec. 11, 2007 for an ice storm, UI interim Spokesman Tom Moore said.

The three campuses often go several years between occurrences of canceled classes. While most students at the three universities live on or near campus, officials also must consider if university buses can run, if faculty and staff can safely get to campus, and if public roads and facilities are closed.

"The concern was that the situation might deteriorate throughout the day," Moore said. "We didn't want people feeling trapped on campus and unable to return home."

At the UI, Vice President for Student Services Tom Rocklin made the decision to cancel classes after consulting with other officials. At ISU, Vice President for Business and Finance Warren Madden made the call. UNI Vice President for Administration and Financial Services Tom Schellhardt said UNI last canceled classes on March 2, 2007, and on Dec. 12, 2005.