Collegiate Times

Last year, Virginia Tech saw it’s first day of Fall exams cancelled by inclement weather. While Blacksburg has been enjoying a 70-degree November, the volatile nature of November in Blacksburg could lead to another such occurrence.

The decision to close campus or even delay classes is a complex one. A decision to alter the regular schedule usually is made between 5:15 and 5:30†A.M. after Virginia Tech Police Department, Virginia Tech Facilities, Town of Blacksburg Police, Blacksburg Transit officials and university administrators have met to discuss all the options.

Even when snow’s on the ground, students will still be expected to attend class in most cases. When making the decision to close campus, the factors that come into play range from the feasibility of Blacksburg Transit to the strength of the snowstorm to the condition of local highways.

Virginia Tech may even make the decision to remain open during inclement weather when other facilities are closed. The reason for this is because most Tech students either live on campus or only a few miles off campus and may still have access to class. For most upperclassmen, the Blacksburg Transit is the most common form of transportation to campus, but schedules and routes are subject to change when inclement weather arrives.

"Every decision is made according to safety. Last year we didn’t use snow routes that often because the town of Blacksburg is really good at cleaning up roadways and keeping them safe for drivers. However, the BT can stop running if the weather is extremely bad, but this does not happen often," said Mac Debusk, dispatcher for the Blacksburg Transit.

When inclement weather arrives, Blacksburg Transit routes may be changed to provide a safer route for passengers. The routes that may be affected are Main Street Northbound, Main Street Southbound, Ramble Road/Hospital, Tom’s Creek A, Tom’s Creek B and Windsor Hills. These snow routes can be found online at www.btransit.org and in the BT Brochures. If the snow routes are in use, postings will be on the Blacksburg Transit website, the bus’s destination sign and the Blacksburg Alert Service. Students are encouraged to check the website before making plans to ride the BT during times of inclement weather to ensure that they can reach their intended destination.

"Students should sign up for an account with Blacksburg Alert Systems online to be notified of delays and closings as well. The Town of Blacksburg uses this system and students will be able to tailor it to their needs to get information as soon as possible. The Blacksburg Alert System can e-mail, fax, text a text to your cell phone, etc. to get students the information they need," Dubusk said.

Students can sign up for alerts at http://egov.blacksburg.gov/BlacksburgAlert.