FLORENCE – Schools across north Alabama have been out for a week due to the snow and ice, but some are returning to operation today.
Classes at the University of North Alabama will remain online today, and administrative offices will open at 10:30 a.m. The university will be back to normal operations Tuesday, with classes starting at 8 a.m.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is back at full service today. But, according to a statement from the university, “dining options and other services may have limited operations.”
“Everyone should use sound judgment when commuting to campus and entering the buildings as there are icy areas and slick patches. Employees should speak to their supervisors if they are unable to return to campus.”
For UNA, while academic instruction moved online, many university employees braved the ice and freezing temperatures to serve those students still on campus.
UNA Dining, Housing, University Center, Student Recreation, and Facilities staff came into work to ensure students were safe, warm, and fed. And parents of UNA students shared their appreciation via social media.
“Thank you for taking care of my freshman during this Snowpacolypse! We were eternally grateful for Mane Market being open while we were 4 hours away!!!”
“I have 2 Florida boys who are currently Freshmen at UNA. We have lived vicariously through them this past week. This is the first time they have seen snow and they have really had a blast….from getting into snowball fights to sledding to making new friends…this will most definitely be a highlight for them. As a parent 12 hours away, my husband and I are very grateful for the activities and care they are getting at UNA during this storm.”
“I’m a 2x UNA parent. I don’t have the words to fully express how much I appreciate the care UNA has provided for my girls. Thank you very much! We love UNA! Roar Lions!!”
“Thank you for the update and information. Thank you to the employees that are able to make sure our on-campus students have food to eat. Stay safe up there.”
“Thank you, UNA, for caring for your students and employees foremost. This event will pass soon enough!”
“It’s great to see the university prioritizing the safety of its community members during inclement weather. Stay safe, everyone!”
“Thank you, Physical Plant, Food Services, Custodial, University Police and all of the essential staff!!”
In a campus wide email, interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Katie Kinney said, “While classes are canceled, we understand that there are critical services required to ensure the well-being and safety of on-campus students. …We deeply appreciate the dedication of these individuals to help maintain essential functions for our on-campus students and to help provide them with opportunities to stay engaged and active, ensuring they don’t feel stuck in their residence halls/apartments. Currently, dining options include Mane Market and Create. Please check the Dining app for specific hours and updates on the availability of additional dining options.”
In addition to UNA Dining’s Mane Market cafeteria, the UNA Game Room and the Student Recreation Center were also open to provide an outlet for students who had been unable to travel due to the winter conditions. The UNA football team also got in on the action, grabbing shovels, sledgehammers, and axes to break up ice in parking lots and along sidewalks on campus.
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