The University of Wisconsin-Madison cancelled Friday classes due to freezing weather conditions for the first time since 2019, according to a news release.
The cancellation of all lectures, labs and discussion sections comes after the National Weather Service placed Dane County under an Extreme Cold Warning from midnight to 1 p.m. Friday, with wind chills projected to range from 30 to 40 degrees below zero.
All campus buildings will operate at their normal hours, with campus services like University Housing, the Wisconsin Union and food services open regularly.
The university said employees should attend work at their scheduled time, unless their ability to work is impacted by the weather conditions. In such a case, employees must alert their supervisors and find alternative work plans or use leave time if necessary.
Employees should check the campus Inclement Weather Policies or contact a supervisor or HR representative for additional information. Parking permits will not be required at campus lots 16, 26, 34, 45, 57, 59 and 60 or in off-campus lots 202, 204 and 206, as they’re serviced by shuttles.
The university advised students to limit exposure outside and wear appropriate weather attire if leaving home is necessary, including wearing layers of warm clothing, scarves, hats and gloves. Students should also be cautious of frostbite risks and utilize transportation services like Madison Metro Transit while keeping track of schedules and delays.
Additionally, the university encouraged students and employees to review regional weather forecasts, keep an eye on the Madison Metro website, check road conditions across the state at 511 Wisconsin and visit the UW Transportation Services website for additional information on handling weather inclement conditions.
The chancellor, or any authorized designee, is the only administrator with the authority to cancel classes, additional services or campus buildings.
Zoey Elwood is the college news editor for The Daily Cardinal. She previously served as copy chief. As a staff writer, she's written in-depth on state and local budgets, protest coverage and Wisconsin politics. She has also written for state and city news. Follow her on X at @zoeyelwood.
