How Cold is Too Cold?

With the recent cold front leaving students shivering their way to classes, it raises the question of should the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) rethink its temperature thresholds for closing campus. 

According to the SDBOR policy manual, “Board of Regent’s institutions remain open in all but the most extreme circumstances.” However, with wind chills leading to dangerously cold conditions how do administrators determine what is considered extreme? 

The manuel states that these decisions are discussed by a team of administrators, before their recommendations are made to the university or institution president. Yet, it does not state a determined temperature in which the campus shall not remain open. 

I believe that this policy should be changed to include a set temperature threshold in order to keep the safety and wellbeing of students a top priority. The SDBOR’s manuel does state that if “weather conditions could jeopardize people’s safety and [it] is determined that it is too dangerous to have people commuting to campus,” that class will be canceled. 

While this vague policy does highlight concerns for faculty and students safety, I feel as though it does not do enough in instilling what is and isn’t considered safe. The ambiguity of the policy is exactly what I believe needs to be changed. 

An exact temperature or even a wind chill limit would help to further protect students, as well as build trust and consistency amongst student bodies. Many students, when faced with cold weather on campus, are under the presumption that they will have to suck it up and face it, as it is unlikely for campus to close. 

While the policy’s statement about “jeopardizing safety,” does acknowledge the risks of allowing students to be on campus, it falls short in allowing guidance to said students. This leaves students and staff alike guessing at what is considered too dangerous, even as they face conditions that may be considerably hazardous. 

By establishing a clear policy implementing a temperature threshold, the SDBOR could pivot from a reactive case by case approach to weather conditions, to one that continues prioritizes safety without leaving the campus community in the dark.