Inclement Weather Information

With expected cold temperatures and potential winter weather, we encourage everyone to take a few simple steps to prepare and stay safe. Read below for details related to your specific housing location. In addition to this, check your university email and university social media accounts for the most current updates and reports, including dining services, which will continue through any inclement weather. The university will notify students via email about campus-wide class cancellations or delays. The decision on class cancellations or delays will be made by 6:30 a.m. each day.

Updates

Jan. 27

Due to road and sidewalk conditions, Ouachita will continue with remote instruction and work on Wednesday (1/28). Instructors will provide further information to students in their classes, and students should check university email and Canvas through the day.

Continue to be careful walking on campus sidewalks and steps, which may refreeze overnight even if cleared or treated.

Jan. 23

With forecasted sleet and ice, driving and walking on campus may be extremely difficult. Students should avoid driving, even in four-wheel drive or AWD vehicles. Dining services will continue in the Commons through the weekend. Dr. Jack's is scheduled to be open Saturday from 3-7 p.m., but all other retail locations will be closed Saturday & Sunday.

If you have to be out on foot, move slowly and use handrails whenever possible. Air temperatures in the teens and single-digit wind chills can be dangerous. If going outside, students should dress for complete coverage and protection.

Please check your Ouachita email regularly over the weekend for updates.

Students choosing to participate in social club activities will receive adjusted schedules and all events will be indoors. Parents are advised not to travel to campus for Bid Day. Livestreams may be available.
Campus Safety & Emergency Management staff will be on duty 24/7 and are available at 870.245.4000.

Winter Weather Checklist

Ensure your phone and laptop are fully charged.
Keep windows and doors closed to retain heat.
Have a flashlight available in addition to your phone.
Keep an extra blanket on hand (electric blankets are allowed).
Dress warmly when going outside.
Plan ahead and refill any prescription medications you may need.
The Commons will remain open for meals; however, if you would like snacks to keep in your residence, we encourage you to shop early. As we are a two-university town, stores may become busy.
Be sure to keep the heat on in your room should you leave campus. Check with your Residence Life staff to confirm the preferred temperature setting.
Promptly notify your RA or RD should you experience issues with your heat not working properly.
Watch the communication groups (GroupMe) for your floor and building for any updates or instructions for your specific residence hall.

Extreme temperatures can freeze the water lines in your residence. Frozen water lines can burst pipes and cause water/flood damage to the apartment and your belongings. Please take the following precautions when the temperatures are below freezing:

Open the cabinet doors below your sinks (kitchens and bathrooms) – this allows warm air to circulate around the pipes.
Turn your faucet on to a small, STEADY stream (not a drip). A small, pencil lead size stream of cold water helps prevent water from freezing in the lines.

We also encourage you to:

Charge your phones.
Refill any necessary prescriptions.
Ensure you have enough groceries.
Bundle up & stay warm!

For any apartments that have ice in front of their door or on any stairwells, please notify your ResLife staff immediately so that "ICE MELTS" can be applied to reduce the risk of ice buildup.

Please understand that heat pumps and boilers are working overtime during these cold temps, which may result in them not producing a lot of heat. If you have any issues with your heat, contact your Apartment Manager. If you are planning to leave campus, please leave your heat on to reduce the risk of freezing pipes.

For Caddo & Starlite: Please take a moment to get familiar with your thermostat. You should have an "AUX" or "Emergency Heat" option. When notified by your Apartment Manager, switch your system to this function to allow the heater to continue working during the low temps.

The decision about whether classes will be in session will be made each morning by 6:30 a.m. Students will be notified via email of campus-wide cancellations or delays.
Individual professors will communicate via preferred class methods about changes beyond the campus-wide schedule.
Your safety is important to us. If road conditions prevent you from making it to campus, please communicate with your professors and any needed staff for alternative plans.

NOTE: Ouachita is not responsible for damage to personal property. The university recommends residents have renter’s insurance to cover damages to personal property.