Western Michigan University news and update highlights from around the web for January 3 - 9, 2014. This week's campus photo features WMU Landscape Services staff atop a snow-covered WMU. The Spring semester got off to a late start this week after a polar vortex hit Michigan and dropped temperatures well below zero—and more than a foot of snow on Kalamazoo.
Western was closed for two days on both Monday and Tuesday, something that hasn't happened since 2000. While much of the campus community was enjoying some free days off, Landscape Services was hard at work. University Relations reported that more than 20 miles of roadway, over 100 acres of parking lots, nearly 40 miles of sidewalks, and 200,000 square feet of steps and entryways were cleared of snow.
Recent WMU Closures:
- 1999, Jan. 4-5—Heavy snowfall delayed the start of spring semester.
- 2000, Nov. 21-22—Thanksgiving recess began Tuesday because of snow.
- 2006, Dec. 1—An ice storm downed trees and caused power outages.
- 2007, Feb. 5—Extreme cold and snow closed many Michigan colleges.
- 2008, Feb. 1—WMU closed due to snow.
- 2009, Dec. 10—Blizzard conditions closed WMU.
- 2013, Jan. 31—Snow and icy conditions closed WMU.
- 2014, Jan. 6-7—Significant snowfall and expected severely cold temperatures prompted many Michigan colleges to close. The closure delayed the start of spring semester.
Were you lucky enough to experience a snow day as a WMU student? Share your story and photos here.
WMU News
WMU nets $140,000-plus in energy savings during holiday closure. Read more here.
Postponed East Hall input session has been rescheduled. Read more here.
Athletics News
Youth and Experience Combine to Drive WMU Track & Field in 2014. Read more here.
Complete Team Effort Leads WMU (Basketball- W) to 88-78 Road Win at Miami. Read more here.
Sign Up for your 2014 Dugout Club Registration Today! Read more here.
Football Walk-On Tryouts - February 4. Read more here.
WMU Hockey Welcomes Rivals Miami for Weekend Series. Read more here.
WMU Fans Have a Chance to Show School Pride in NCAA 6th Annual Fan Contest. Read more here.