Converse Winter Weather: E-Learning on January 26, 27, and 28, 2026

12:00 PM (EST)

We are incredibly thankful that we continue to have power across campus, and we appreciate the many people who have helped us weather this storm so far, including Campus Safety, Facilities, Residence Life, Dining Services, and the many others working behind the scenes to keep campus safe, supported, and operational.

Campus drives, walkways, and stairs remain very slick, so please continue to use caution when traveling. Temperatures this afternoon should begin to help melt some areas; however, ice and mounded sleet are still expected to remain in several locations into tomorrow.

It has been great to see so many students out sledding, taking photos, and (safely) enjoying this winter weather — tag us in your snow day pictures!

Brunch today in Gee continues through 1:00 p.m., and dinner will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Remember, Freshens is closed today.

Looking ahead

As originally planned and communicated, Converse will continue with an e-learning day on Tuesday, January 27. Athletic teams currently in season should expect to hear directly from their coaches regarding practice times for Tuesday.

To afford everyone additional time and flexibility, Converse will move to an e-learning day on Wednesday, January 28. Currently, we plan to begin reopening campus buildings on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., including the library, to allow everyone time to return, settle back in, and access campus resources as conditions continue to improve. We also plan to return to normal dining service hours beginning with Wednesday lunch service.

At this time, we plan to return to full operations and a normal schedule on Thursday, January 29. Should conditions not improve as anticipated, any changes will be communicated with as much notice as possible.

Everyone’s situation is unique, and we understand that travel to campus from various locations may still present challenges for some. Please continue to use your best judgment and prioritize safety when making travel decisions. As always, reach out directly to your faculty member or supervisor if you need flexibility.

We deeply appreciate the dedication of our Converse team members who have been working tirelessly through the elements, assisting students moving about campus, clearing primary pathways and roadways, and keeping warm food in our bellies. Thank you to everyone who has shown patience and care for one another during these past few days – this is what makes our Converse community so special.

For Faculty, Staff, and Adjuncts

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Tuesday will remain an e-learning day. Only essential personnel should report to campus, and all other employees should work with their supervisor on remote working feasibility and plans.

Wednesday January 28, 2026
Beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, campus buildings will reopen. Faculty and staff are welcome to return to campus starting at noon or may continue working their normal schedules remotely on Wednesday, based on what works best for your individual circumstances. Please be in touch with your supervisor as needed.

Thursday January 29, 2026
We anticipate resuming normal operations. All personnel should plan to be on campus per their normal schedules.

We sincerely appreciate everyone’s flexibility and compassion for our students and fellow team members during these transitional days.

2:30 PM (EST)

Due to continued deteriorating road and campus conditions from today’s ice and freezing temperatures extending into tomorrow, we are sharing the following updates.

Dining services this evening will operate only in Gee Dining from 5:00–7:00 PM. Freshens will remain closed for the remainder of today. At dinner this evening, Gee will also offer grab-and-go options for students to take back to their rooms.

Because road conditions are expected to worsen overnight and into Monday, all on-campus activities for Monday have been cancelled. Monday will remain an e-learning day, and students should connect with their faculty, while employees should connect with their supervisors, if power interruptions or connectivity issues prevent your ability to participate.

This also includes all student-athlete activities — no practices, lifting, conditioning, or workouts, whether mandatory or voluntary.

Only essential personnel who are able to travel safely should report to campus.

Tomorrow, January 26, 2026, only Montgomery and Wilson will be open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. All other facilities will remain closed. Gee Dining will operate on a modified schedule Monday, opening for brunch from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM and dinner from 5:00–7:00 PM. Freshens will remain closed tomorrow.

We will reassess conditions Monday morning and will communicate again regarding Tuesday’s activities.

Please continue to prioritize your safety and limit travel whenever possible. If you need assistance, contact Campus Safety at 864-596-9026 or your Residence Director (RD) on call at 864-621-7114.

11:00 AM (EST)

Winter Storm Fern made its way to campus overnight and has covered our grounds in a deceptively beautiful blanket of white. However, unlike snow, this is primarily sleet and ice, so please use extreme caution if you need to move about today. Stairs in particular may be hazardous, and in some cases walking on grass may offer better traction than paved walkways.

Spartanburg is expected to continue experiencing sleet and freezing rain throughout the day, and with sustained sub-freezing temperatures, road conditions and walkways are likely to deteriorate further as we get into the afternoon and evening. Please remain alert to both slick surfaces and potential overhead hazards.

Members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) are on campus addressing needs and monitoring conditions.

Regular dining hours will continue for brunch today from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with light continental options. Dinner hours and Monday activities are currently being discussed, and any changes will be communicated later today.

Your safety is our highest priority. Please stay inside whenever possible, take care if you must travel, and reach out if you experience any issues or need assistance. You may contact Campus Safety at 864-596-9026 or your Residence Director (RD) on call at 864-621-7114.

2:38 PM (EST)

As we move into the hours ahead of the approaching winter storm, we recognize that this kind of weather can bring uncertainty and added stress. Thank you to everyone across campus for the care you’ve taken to prepare, look out for one another, and make thoughtful decisions. We sincerely hope those who chose to travel reached their destinations safely, and we are especially grateful to those remaining on campus for your patience and caution during the hours ahead.

This afternoon, Facilities and Grounds teams have been actively pre-treating walkways, stairways, and roadways across campus. In select areas, you may see caution tape placed in locations that are especially prone to becoming hazardous. Please respect these barriers and avoid taped-off areas, even if they appear to offer a shorter route. For example, using primary pathways such as Montgomery rather than cutting through less stable areas will help reduce the risk of slips and falls. Continue to use extreme caution when moving around campus.

Current forecasts continue to indicate that the storm is expected to begin this evening, with ice accumulation occurring overnight. We encourage everyone on campus to keep flashlights, blankets, and warm clothing nearby and ensure phones and other essential devices are fully charged.

If a power interruption occurs during the evening or overnight hours, please remain calm. Emergency fire and life-safety systems are designed to activate automatically, and campus buildings will retain some internal heat. To help preserve warmth, please avoid unnecessary entry and exit from buildings. There is no need to report a power outage unless you observe an emergency or a life-safety concern.

Important numbers to remember:

• Campus Safety: 864-596-9026
• Residence Director (RD) On-Call: 864-621-7114

Dining and facilities hours of operation for this afternoon and evening:

• Gee Dining 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Freshens 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Montgomery will close at 10:00 PM. Please plan ahead accordingly if needing resources from Valkyrie Supply.

All residential students are strongly advised to remain within the residence halls by this evening, as forecasts continue to project ice accumulation that may create additional hazards, including slippery surfaces and overhead risks.

Unless campus conditions require us to alter plans, Gee Dining is expected to open Sunday for brunch from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Any changes will be communicated promptly.

Members of our Emergency Response Team will remain on campus overnight and will be actively assessing conditions early Sunday morning. Additional updates will continue to be shared as needed.

Stay safe, Valkyries, and thank you for continuing to care for yourselves and one another.

The Emergency Response Team (ERT) continues to closely monitor evolving weather conditions related to the winter storm expected to affect the Carolinas this weekend. Based on current forecasts, impacts in the Upstate may begin early on Saturday, January 24. Therefore, in an abundance of caution, Converse will have e-learning days on January 26 and 27, 2026.

Predictive models are increasingly indicating a higher probability of ice accumulation and prolonged frigid temperatures, which could result in treacherous road conditions and extended power disruptions across the region. While the exact timing and severity remain subject to change, conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly once the system arrives.

We can provide the following additional updates at this time.

Campus Events and Athletics

All campus activities scheduled for Saturday and Sunday have been canceled or rescheduled, including all athletic events. Student-athletes should monitor communications from their coaches regarding adjustments to practices or training schedules.

Academic Operations

Given the increasingly severe forecasts and the potential for extended travel and power disruptions, and to allow flexibility for students, faculty, and staff:

• Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27, 2026 will be designated as e-learning days.
• All in-person classes and activities scheduled for those days will transition accordingly.
• Faculty will communicate directly with students regarding expectations and coursework during e-learning days.

For Employees

If you have not already done so, please work with your teams to prepare any critical items or work needs for the early part of next week. Essential personnel are expected to report to campus as directed, while non-essential personnel should coordinate with their supervisors regarding schedule adjustments or remote work arrangements, as appropriate.

Travel

Out of an abundance of caution, we strongly encourage anyone who anticipates needing to travel to plan to be in their planned location by Friday evening, prior to the onset of expected weather conditions.

Please note that classes, events, practices, and other academic or co-curricular obligations remain scheduled as usual through Friday, and students are expected to attend and participate unless otherwise notified by the University or their instructors/coaches.

Students who live within a reasonable driving distance are encouraged to travel home if and when it is safe to do so. Residence Life staff are meeting with Residence Directors (RDs) and Community Assistants (CAs) to plan for the weekend for students who need to remain on campus. All residential students should check in with their RD or CA to communicate their plans.

Campus Facilities, Safety, and Readiness

Campus operations teams have been actively preparing for the storm, including readiness of emergency fuel sources, backup dining plans, and other operational safeguards to support continuity and safety.

You may notice buckets of ice melt placed near building lobbies. These are staged for use by campus grounds teams when conditions are appropriate. We ask that community members not apply ice melt themselves, as timing and placement are critical to ensure effectiveness and safety.

If snow or ice accumulates, please remember that Converse follows a priority-based approach to clearing walkways and access points. Primary pedestrian routes and critical areas are addressed first, followed by secondary and tertiary areas, including parking lots, as conditions and resources allow.

In the event of a power outage, please remain calm and continue to monitor your email and other official University communications for important updates and instructions.

Reminders and Helpful Tips

• If you have a vehicle, consider fueling up in advance and checking that your battery is in good working order.
• Charge cell phones, laptops, and any backup batteries or power banks you may have.
• Keep warm clothing, hats, gloves, and waterproof footwear easily accessible.
• Have flashlights available, and keep extra batteries on hand if possible.
• Keep essential medications, food, and water readily accessible.

Ongoing Campus-Wide Updates

Further updates will be shared via the AlertMedia mobile safety app and by email. Students may log into their accounts to add additional phone numbers for parents, guardians, or friends and family so they may also receive important updates.

If you have not yet opted in to receive AlertMedia notifications, instructions are available on the my.converse page. Any notice of campus closure or change in operations will also appear in the emergency alert bar on the main Converse website.

5:09 PM (EST)

The Emergency Preparedness Team has been monitoring weather conditions as a potential winter storm approaches our area. At this time, Converse is continuing with normal campus operations, and we will keep you informed should anything change.

As we prepare for potential weather, here are a few considerations:

• For residential students, in the case of power outages on campus, please keep in close contact with your residential life staff for next steps and procedures.
• Be sure to keep cell phones and mobile devices fully charged so that you can receive important messages in the event of an emergency or power outage.
• If you have a flashlight, keep it close at hand should you need the additional light source.
• Students and employees are advised to communicate with their professors or supervisors if they face commuting challenges or scheduling issues with children whose schools may be closed.
• Employees should communicate directly with their supervisors regarding alternate or remote work arrangements if needed.

As with any inclement weather conditions, use your best judgment when traveling to and on campus, and do not venture out if you feel it is unsafe for you to do so. The safety of our university community is our first priority, and decisions will be made accordingly.

Any further updates will be sent via the AlertMedia mobile safety app and by email. If you have not signed up to receive communications from the AlertMedia app, more information on how to opt in for alerts is on this my.converse page. Any notice of closure will also be included in the emergency bar across the top of Converse.edu.