When temperatures drop to dangerous levels, tough decisions have to be made—and that's exactly what's happening at UT San Antonio. Due to sub-freezing temperatures and the threat of icy conditions, all UT San Antonio campuses will be closed on Monday, January 26. But here's where it gets tricky: while safety is the top priority, balancing academic needs and essential services isn't always straightforward. Let's break it down.
For students, this means all classes at the Main Campus, Downtown Campus, Southwest Campus, Park West Campus, San Pedro I, and One Riverwalk Place are canceled. Yes, that includes labs and other in-person programs. But don't worry—this isn't just about shutting down. The university is taking steps to ensure everyone stays safe and warm. For instance, the John Peace Library will be open 24/7 as a warming center, and the Student Union north building will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s a thoughtful move, especially for those who might not have a warm place to go.
Employees, take note: If your role is considered essential, you’ll need to check in with your supervisor for scheduling details. Everyone else? Enjoy an unexpected day off. But here's where it gets controversial—what exactly defines an 'essential' job function? Is it just about keeping operations running, or should it also consider the safety of employees commuting in hazardous conditions? It’s a question worth discussing.
For campus residents, Housing and Residence Life staff will be on-site and on-call to ensure safe walkways, building access, and emergency support. Front desks will operate as usual from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Roadrunner Cafe will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both Sunday and Monday. No one will go hungry, and that’s a relief.
Over at UT Health and the Health Science Center, all non-essential academic and administrative operations are canceled, but patient care and clinical services will remain open. It’s a critical distinction—healthcare can’t pause, even in the coldest weather. But this raises another point: How do we ensure the safety of those who must work in these conditions? And this is the part most people miss—the behind-the-scenes effort to keep essential services running smoothly.
Updates will be posted on UT San Antonio Today and the university’s official social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). You’ll also receive alerts via the HSC Alert system, text, and email. University leaders will continue monitoring conditions and sharing updates as needed on Monday morning.
So, what do you think? Are these measures enough to ensure safety without disrupting essential services? Or is there more that could be done? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
