Colleges and universities across the United States closed their doors Monday as a powerful winter storm system swept through multiple regions, forcing administrators to cancel classes and postpone the start of spring semester activities at dozens of institutions.
At the University of Kentucky in Lexington, officials announced the closure Sunday evening after forecasts predicted up to eight inches of snow and ice-covered roadways.
The closures came at a particularly challenging time for many institutions beginning their spring terms. At Indiana University in Bloomington, where classes were scheduled to resume Monday after winter break, officials shifted to remote instruction for the day rather than canceling outright.
The storm's impact was especially pronounced at smaller institutions with limited resources for snow removal and emergency housing. Southern institutions unaccustomed to winter weather faced particular challenges. Several universities in Virginia and North Carolina closed preemptively, with some extending closures through Tuesday as utility companies worked to restore power to thousands of residents.
The widespread closures also disrupted recruiting visits and admissions events scheduled for prospective students. Many institutions quickly pivoted to virtual information sessions, though admissions officers acknowledged the timing was less than ideal during peak decision season for high school seniors.
As of Monday evening, university officials across affected regions were assessing whether to resume normal operations Tuesday, with many planning to announce decisions by early morning based on overnight temperature conditions and road crew progress.
