Winter weather challenges college community
Central Penn’s Facilities Department keeps
campus running smoothly during winter weather
By Nikolai Hogan
Knightly News Reporter
nikolai.hadleyhogan@mymail.centralpenn.edu
Winter weather can be incredibly unpredictable, and snow can come at a moment’s notice.
At Central Penn College, keeping the campus safe and functioning during the colder months is no small task.
Director of Facilities Operations Chris Sheriff works to ensure that students, staff and faculty can navigate campus safely, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
One of the biggest challenges Central Penn faces this time of year is the same that keeps meteorologists on their toes: predicting the weather.
Sudden changes in temperature can turn what was expected to be rain into dangerous ice.
“We keep a close eye on the weather and make decisions as early as possible, but it’s not always easy to get it right,” Sheriff said.
Staying on top of it
The facilities team uses multiple weather apps and resources to stay ahead of storms, often starting their work in the early hours of the morning to make sure the campus is ready for the day.
Preparing the campus for winter weather involves a lot of planning and peoplepower. The facilities team is responsible for salting and clearing the sidewalks, Henszey’s Wrought Iron Bridge, driveways and parking lots, which can be a daunting task during heavy snowfall.
Administration tends to close access to stairs, particularly those that lead from the ATEC patio to the deck of Henszey’s Bridge, to prevent people from falling.
Sheriff emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “Everyone pitches in when the weather hits. We’ve got a great crew that works hard to keep the college safe and open.”
The team also keeps an eye on problem areas like shaded walkways, which tend to refreeze quickly, and makes sure they are salted multiple times a day, if needed.
Delays and cancellations are another way the college handles extreme weather. Central Penn makes safety its top priority, and decisions about closures are made after evaluating road conditions and consulting with college administrators.
Cutting disruptions
While some students might appreciate the occasional Blackboard Day (classes conducted, usually asynchronously, on the school’s online learning-management system), college officials try to minimize disruptions to class schedules whenever possible. Sheriff noted that communication is key in these situations.
“We work closely with administration to make timely decisions, and we notify the campus community as soon as we can through emails, the Central Penn app, and text alerts,” he said.
Keeping the college running smoothly during the winter requires a lot of effort, but the facilities team is up for the challenge. Their dedication ensures that the campus remains accessible, whether it’s for a morning class or an evening event.
“Our goal is to make sure everyone can get where they need to go safely, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us,” Sheriff said.
Comment or story idea? Contact KnightlyEditors@CentralPenn.Edu.
Edited by Knightly News Media Club @ Central Penn co-adviser and blog editor Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
