Communications

Date: March 6, 2013

To: Parents of U.Va. Students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Re: Update on Snowstorm in Charlottesville

Dear Parents:

The University has been monitoring weather conditions since yesterday, and as you may already know, classes are cancelled today. The heavy snow, now reportedly measuring close to 10 inches (more outside the Charlottesville area), is causing travel concerns and has led to numerous power outages both on the Grounds and in the surrounding area.

The below message, which I sent to all students early this afternoon, provides pertinent safety information and a quick summary of closings. Complete information about closings and conditions is continually updated on the University’s homepage and at www.virginia.edu/emergency/closings.html. As we continue to monitor the situation and conditions change, the University will keep this website updated. This is where you will find the most up-to-date information into the evening and tomorrow.

If you talk with your daughter or son, please emphasize the safety messages below, especially about falling tree limbs and the recommendation to stay inside.

We appreciate your support and are hopeful that the Grounds will be up and running at full capacity very soon.

Sincerely,

Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Dear Students:

Today's snow brings several safety concerns. I am writing to offer some general reminders and to reiterate information about closings.

Safety: First, your best bet is to stay where you are today and not to venture out. Falling tree limbs are especially a hazard, given the heavy weight of this snow. If you do have to go out, please steer clear of trees and do not walk under them. Driving remains treacherous in the Charlottesville area.

Power Outages: We recognize that many areas of the Grounds and surrounding apartments are without power. Dominion is working to restore power as quickly as possible, with hospitals and medical facilities the top priority. On Grounds, most of the outages are concentrated in the first-year residential area, and staff members, including Resident Advisers, are staying in touch with residents. If you live off Grounds, please do not attempt to come to Grounds to access power unless you are certain it is available.

Dining Halls: Newcomb Hall is open, and all dining facilities in Newcomb are serving meals. Runk and O'Hill dining halls are open, but they are serving limited menus because they do not have power.

Recreational Facilities: All recreational facilities are closed today due to power outages.

University Transportation: UTS has suspended service due to the weather conditions.

Medical Emergencies: If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. Student Health and CAPS are closed today.

Updates: All information about closings and student services is being posted on the homepage at www.virginia.edu. This information is continually updated. You will only receive a message through UVaAlerts if a situation presents imminent danger.

Student Affairs Support: If you need assistance, Student Affairs offices in the Rotunda, Peabody Hall, and Newcomb are open today. You may email vpsa@virginia.edu or call 434-924-7984 if you need special assistance.

We expect weather conditions to improve soon, but in the meantime please take every precaution to stay safe and to care for one another.