Iowa State classes canceled, university offices closed Tuesday through noon Thursday

UPDATED 6:30 a.m. TUESDAY, JAN. 29

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University classes are canceled and university offices closed all day Tuesday, Jan. 29, through noon Thursday, Jan. 31, due to predicted record wind chills. Only essential staff -- including police, food service, security, power plant, animal care, critical maintenance, and snow and ice removal -- should report to work. Supervisors should contact their employees regarding their individual schedules. Please refer to the university policy on severe weather and emergency closings.

This is an update from yesterday's announcement, due to the change (downgrade) in the National Weather Service forecast.

Classes will resume at 12:10 p.m. Thursday.

Anyone who doesn't have to brave the chilling temperatures should stay home. Those who must travel under these extreme weather conditions are encouraged to dress in layers, wear gloves and hats and minimize time outdoors. Pack a car emergency kit and avoid risk. The National Weather Service defines the predicted wind chills as dangerous, life-threatening cold air that can lead to frostbite within 10 minutes. Here are winter tips from ISU's Environmental Health and Safety.

Event status, related announcements

The Cyclone women's basketball game on Jan. 29 and the men's basketball game on Jan. 30 will be played as scheduled.

The basketball gamewatch and ISU Extension and Outreach fundraiser in Sioux City, originally scheduled for Jan. 30, has been moved to March 2. 

ISU Research Park has canceled its tenant event that was scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at Provisions Lot F.

Reiman Gardens is closed Tuesday, Jan. 29, and Wednesday, Jan. 30.

University Museums facilities are closed Tuesday, Jan. 29, until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31.

The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center is open only for emergencies during the university closure.

All recreation facilities (Lied, Beyer and State Gym) will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29. Pools will be closed. All programs will be canceled for the day, including group fitness and intramural sports. Administrative offices will be closed. Rec facilities will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30 (no programs, offices closed). On Thursday, Jan. 31, facilities will open at 11 a.m. and close at the regularly scheduled time (midnight). Administrative offices will open at 11 a.m. on Thursday, and all programs will resume. Hours are subject to change.

All campus visits scheduled through ISU's Office of Admissions are canceled Tuesday, Jan. 29, through Thursday, Jan. 31. Visits may be rescheduled online or by calling the Office of Admissions at 800-262-3810 once the university reopens.

CyRide has adjusted its service to a weekday break schedule for Tuesday, Jan. 29, and Wednesday, January 30. All routes noted as "ISU only" and any shaded lines on the schedule will not be operating, with the exception of the following routes, which will have limited service: 

  • #11 Cherry: Service every 35 minutes
  • #21 Cardinal: Service every 24 minutes
  • #23 Orange: Service every 12 minutes
  • #25 Gold: Service every 30 minutes

Google Transit will continue to show the regularly scheduled information, so for correct schedule information during this time, please refer to Next Bus or call CyRide at 515-292-1100 for assistance. Regular service will resume on Thursday, Jan. 31.

Tuesday's mechanical engineering department seminar has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m.

The Academic Success Center is closed Jan. 29 and 30. Coaching appointments, workshops, tutor interviews, orientations and sessions are all cancelled. These may be rescheduled by calling ASC after noon on Thursday when the university reopens.

The IT Solution Center will be open until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Normal hours will resume Thursday. 

ISU's Memorial Union is open Tuesday, Jan. 29, and Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 7 a.m. to midnight. However, most offices and services will be closed. More info.

The meet and greet with student veterans (4-6 p.m.) and Grandma Mojo's comedy troupe show (9 p.m.), both originally scheduled for Wednesday in the Memorial Union, have been canceled.

Extension & Outreach's beef quality assurance training in Lucas County has been postponed and rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Chickasaw Extension's annual leaders training scheduled for Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. has been postponed until Tuesday, Feb. 5, at the same time.

Please continue to watch this space for cancellations and other updates.