Castleton’s campus was deserted and snow ridden after more than 15 professors cancelled classes on Feb. 5. As the day continued, snow piled up as some dedicated students trekked across campus to attend the few classes that hadn’t been canceled.
While some students were lucky enough to have most or all of their classes canceled, others were less fortunate and had to attend classes during the storm.
So why didn’t we have a snow day?
“Generally we will be open when it snows and if the roads are plowed and passable,” said President David Wolk. “On days when there’s freezing rain and icy conditions we generally are going to close.”
Many professors said they believed it was unsafe to travel in the early morning, some having to travel over half an hour.
“It’s a difficult call to make and I’m glad that I’m not the one making the decision. My driveway didn’t get plowed until 12 so I was stuck,” said Professor Helen Mango.
Junior Jake Covell had all his classes canceled by professors. His roommate, junior Victor Cucullo, wasn’t as fortunate and had to attend all five of his classes.
“I had five classes and none of them got canceled,” said Cucullo. “I was freezing and I almost wanted to skip because I was so mad.”
“I had a really relaxed day. I had so much time I didn’t know what to do with myself,” said Covell smirking in Cucullo’s direction. “I think classes should’ve been canceled though.”
No other Vermont state colleges closed down on that day, though, and only Lyndon closed down during the next snow storm a few days later when Castleton also closed.
“I had three classes and only one got canceled, and it was snowing pretty solidly all day long,” said Junior Olivia Janus.
Professor Pam Varnum was another professor who canceled.
“I ended up canceling classes for myself since my driveway is tricky,” she said. “As the day progressed and it got worse and worse, I was quite glad I did.”
Even though many professors did cancel, Bill Kuehn was not one of them.
“When I took this job, I did what you normally do and that’s move close to your job,” said Kuehn. Kuehn has missed classes one day due to weather conditions in the past 43 years.
Although there was much confusion surrounding the issue, the college’s policy on when to close has not changed.
“I’m just happy I’m not the guy who has to make that decision,” said Kuehn.
And professors who chose not to come to class that day defended their decision.
“Ultimately it’s my own decision. I have to feel as though it’s safe for me to go out and I don’t mind taking that responsibility,” said Varnum.