The last two weeks have presented challenges for the population of SXU.
The week that ran from January 28 through February 1, marking remarkable chilling lows in Chicago, IL. Wednesday, January 30th, reached unprecedented levels, with a high of -9*F and a low of -22*.
Talk among social media was that Chicago was colder than the temperature for Antarctica.
According to Chris Dolce from Weather.com, “High temperatures this week at the U.S. Antarctic research center are forecast to be in the teens and low 20s, easily warmer than the highs parts of the Midwest will see through Thursday.”
Saint Xavier University took action well before the situation went into full effect. SXU Alert contacted students via email on Tuesday, the 22nd of January, to inform them that the school would be closed for operation after 5 pm due to safety concerns attributed to the challenging weather. As it turned out, that was only the tip of the iceberg.
At the break of dawn on Monday, another email sent by SXU Alert was sent out.
Students were notified that all classes and offices would be closed until 12 pm, however public safety, library, food services and the like would be present.
The weather forecast for the coming days didn’t appear to have a better outcome, and students tentatively waited on the school’s decision for the sub-zero temperatures of Tuesday and Wednesday. Solace wouldn’t come until Tuesday afternoon.
SXU Alert published the statement that was everyone’s mind; SXU would be closed for operation from Tuesday at 5 pm until Thursday afternoon. The school week had effectively been cut in half, but the safety of the student body took priority to a class schedule that could easily be accommodated.
SXU took extra precautions to ensure the quality of life for the on-campus students was maintained. Shuttle services between various campus buildings were offered; students only need call dispatch. Dorming students were also offered extra large trash bags and tape, to provide a seal for their air conditioning units that allow drafts to come in.
Food schedule services were also explained in detail so students could structure their day accordingly, as hours were present but limited. All of these things considered, there was only 1 idea on everybody’s mind; survive.
SXU RPM of Pacelli, Celeste Montenegro spoke on her outlook of the closing. “I don’t think it’s going to be that bad, but everyone else is panicking about the weather, so now I’m thinking ‘Oh my God. “We are never going to leave this building ever again!’”
Campus fell silent for the following 48 hours. Most clubs canceled their meetings that were in session, and with the library being closed for this time, commuters had less incentive to make the trip to SXU.
Wednesday evening at 9 pm, students received their final email from SXU Alert. They were notified that classes and offices opening on Thursday at noon was pushed until Friday morning.
While this didn’t come as a shock to anyone, the greatest loss became that Starbucks would once again be closed the entire day. Thursday night came with its own anxiety. Students clung to their mobile devices, awaiting (some hoping) for a final message that suspended classes for Friday’s sessions as well.
That message would never come, as Friday had classes, offices, and services run as usual. The storm had passed just as quickly as it came, as the Chicagoland area was greeted with a high of 45*F.
Many students felt the impact that comes with nearly 3 days out of class. Carina Jimenez shared, “It was the safest call for the commuting students Continued From Page 1 since many of them wouldn’t have risked traveling in such extreme conditions.
“But I would have to say, I feel like I missed a lot of class time, whether or not it was actually being held.” Carlos Flores also expressed a similar sentiment.
“Honestly, I fell behind in assignments that are due this following weak that probably aren’t going to be completed on time or how I would have liked.
“I work, and it feels like an uphill battle because I feel like professors won’t accommodate for work time that was lost.” There, of course, are others who welcomed this break with open arms.
Elise Valencia responded, “It was the best thing ever. “For once since school got into session, I was able to unwind and not stress out!
“There’s plenty of time to catch back up to speed, and professors usually work this kind of downtime into their syllabi, so why not spend the day with a good book, a warm blanket, and peace of mind knowing that next week, everything’s gonna be okay.”
Eric Perez
News Reporter