West Virginia University announced the cancellation of all in-person classes and closure of on-campus operations for its Morgantown campus on Monday, January 26, due to a continuing winter storm. Most employees will transition to remote work, except those required for essential on-site duties. Employees with remote or hybrid schedules are expected to continue working remotely and should not travel to campus.
Essential employees who have not already communicated with their supervisors are advised to do so regarding their on-site responsibilities during the closure. Online classes will proceed as scheduled.
The decision comes after Monongalia County emergency officials recommended residents avoid traveling because of hazardous road conditions. University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair said, “Additional snow and dropping temperatures mean road conditions, which have largely remained hazardous through the day, will only get worse overnight. If you do not have to travel, please stay off the roads for the safety of yourself, other drivers and first responders.”
Faculty, staff, and students at WVU Health Sciences involved in patient care or clinical rotations should check with their dean, program director or clinic manager for specific instructions if they have not already received them. All WVU Dental clinics will be closed Monday. The parking shuttle service from the WVU Innovation Corporation to Health Sciences will also be suspended.
Facilities Management continues snow removal efforts on university property while supporting state and local crews addressing public roads. Charles “Chuck” Roberts, associate vice president for Facilities Operations, said, “Our employees have been out since the snow started Saturday night (Jan. 24) and we will continue to work to ensure our campus sites are accessible to members of the University community.” He added, “There are times when the rate of snowfall or sleet requires our teams to revisit already treated areas. We ask for patience as we work through the ongoing effects of the storm in extremely cold temperatures.”
University dining facilities scheduled to open Monday will operate with limited hours; the WVU Visitors Center will remain closed that day.
Regular operations are planned to resume at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, January 27. Officials continue monitoring weather reports from the National Weather Service and local sources.
Updates will be provided through various channels including the WVU Safety Notification System, MIX email, students.wvu.edu, ENews email and enews.wvu.edu. Social media accounts such as @wvusafetyofficial on Instagram, @WVUsafety on X (formerly Twitter), and the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page will also post information.
WVU Institute of Technology and WVU Potomac State College had previously announced closures for Monday; WVU Extension is following its own inclement weather policy.
West Virginia University operates multiple campuses across West Virginia—including Morgantown—focusing on academic excellence and research initiatives while emphasizing service and inclusivity within its community (official website). The institution has earned top research designation (R1 status) from Carnegie Classification (official website).
