BU will close Wednesday and Thursday due to expected storm

Yesterday, Brandon University was under a Blizzard Watch, today that has been upgraded to a Blizzard Warning. Official forecasts are clearly stating that we should expect a lot of snow and high winds for an extended period of time, starting tonight. Environment Canada says this storm may be the worst in decades, and strongly advises against travel.

Brandon University will be closed Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14 due to the expected storm. You should stay home and stay safe. 

Brandon University will remain closed as scheduled for the Good Friday holiday on Friday, April 15, and is expected to re-open normally on Monday, April 18.

Due to the time of the year, a smaller number of classes are affected. Here is what you need to know:

Classes

Today is the final day for most Term 2 and Both Term classes. Only a few PENT classes are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Students and instructors in PENT have already made arrangements for the storm.

Exams

Music juries that were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday are being rescheduled. All other exams are scheduled to begin on Monday and are not expected to be affected.

Campus services

Most offices and campus services will be closed, and unavailable. Critical needs, for example heating, electricity, and internet connectivity, are being monitored and any outages will be attended to as swiftly as possible.

Residences

Residence will remain open, and residents will have access to meals through the Down Under. 

Ancillary and Parking

Walking paths and parking lots will be cleared as soon as practicable. You may not have immediate access to vehicles left in BU lots.

Staff and Faculty

Unless you have been specifically required to come to campus by your manager to support critical operations, please stay home. With forecasts calling for widespread and lengthy power outages, work from home will not be required, nor will use of vacation or banked time.

Winnipeg campus

The Winnipeg campus will be closed as well.

Campus access

You should avoid coming to campus for the next two days. If you have a critical need (for example, live animal care), speak with your Dean or supervisor to ensure that correct accommodations can be made.

Please take time today to ensure that you are prepared for this storm. This may include fueling snowblower or generator, checking the emergency kit in your vehicle, or buying comfort food for two days of hunkering down.

If any updates to this closure are required, they will be first sent to your official Brandon University email address, followed by posting on our website, BU social media, and wide sharing with local news outlets.

Thank you and stay warm!

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