Campus Report

Preparations underway for winter storm

Office of Communications
January 18, 2019

Vice President for Student Affairs Meredith Harper Bonham sent the following message to students Friday, January 18, in anticipation of the impending winter storm. Currently, the College is operating normally. We will notify the community via the RAVE alert system should there be a change in operations due to the weather. 

Dear students,

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the region from late tonight through Sunday morning. In Gambier, the storm is expected to be most intense Saturday afternoon and night, with the potential for heavy snow or ice and high winds. The College has plans in place to provide essential services should the campus experience a disruption in power or weather conditions necessitate an adjustment in operations. I want to share those plans with you and suggest ways you can also prepare.

Dining. Peirce will operate on a normal schedule with the exception of dinner Saturday, which will be offered 4–6 p.m. (regardless of the severity of the storm). Menus may be adjusted. If you have special dietary needs, please talk with AVI staff during lunch on Saturday so that they can help you plan ahead. We ask that you please be patient with AVI, as they will likely experience staffing shortages due to hazardous travel conditions.

Residences. Should the campus experience an extended power outage, the Residential Life staff is ready with a plan to house students temporarily in buildings that are equipped with a back-up generator. They will work closely with Community Advisors to make any moves as seamless as possible.

Power. In the event of a power outage, the Bookstore will be open for students to charge devices. Campus Safety, Peirce Hall and the Cox Health and Counseling Center are all equipped with back-up generators to ensure that essential services continue.

Information and updates. The College will inform the campus of any change in operations through the RAVE alert system. Please ensure that you are signed up for the service. We also will share updates through official social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram story) and website alerts. If you have questions, please contact your Community Advisor (CA).

What you should do:

  • Be sure you are signed up to receive RAVE alerts.

  • Charge your devices and keep them charged while there is still power.

  • Check in with your parents. Encourage them to follow Kenyon’s social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram story) as opposed to calling Campus Safety for updates.

  • Dress warmly when outdoors, and exercise care getting around campus. Winds may be severe.

  • Avoid unnecessary travel.

  • If you have a flashlight, know where it is; check the batteries. Remember: Candles and other open flames are prohibited in campus buildings.

  • If you have questions or concerns, contact your CA.

  • Call Campus Safety only in the event of an emergency.

This information is intended as precautionary. Should additional measures become necessary, we will keep you informed. Meanwhile, please use good judgment and look out for one another on campus. My colleagues and I are, as always, grateful for your care and cooperation.

Sincerely yours,

Meredith Harper Bonham
Vice President for Student Affairs