Winter Weather: Operating Changes

January 30, 2026

8:00 AM

With snow still present in several areas around campus and across surrounding roadways, it’s hard to believe we are here again, but Spartanburg is currently under another Winter Storm Warning, with a high probability of a significant snow event bringing up to several inches of accumulation. Because of the expected precipitation, frigid temperatures, and wet conditions, snowfall is likely to quickly transition to ice, creating slick and hazardous surfaces. 

Based on current National Weather Service forecasts, snowfall could begin as early as Friday evening, with the heaviest accumulation anticipated between approximately 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Much of the area is expected to remain below freezing continuously from Friday evening through Monday afternoon. We anticipate particularly icy conditions from Sunday into Monday, along with widespread single-digit temperatures and wind chills. 

To adequate prepare campus for this likely event:

• Athletics has been working closely with opposing institutions to adjust travel plans both to campus and for off-site competitions and activities as needed. Student-athletes should continue to look to their coaches for the most up-to-date information regarding any schedule adjustments for this weekend.
• Outside guests renting campus facilities have been informed of current and anticipated conditions, and alternative plans are being coordinated as needed to accommodate weather-related impacts.
• Our Facilities and Grounds teams will pretreat priority areas as conditions allow this afternoon, including priority walkways, building entry points, and select roadways. Please note that treatment access may be limited in areas where vehicles are already parked.
• At this time, there is a lower risk of widespread power outages; however, we continue to maintain contingency plans in case we experience short-term interruptions.
• We are continuing to coordinate with Residential Life and Student Orientation to adjust plans for new incoming residential students and new student orientation currently scheduled for early next week.

Adjustments to Building and Dining Access this Weekend

Please take note of the following adjustments to operations for this weekend:

Friday, January 30, 2026

• Normal schedules for classes and on campus work
• Montgomery will close at 10 p.m. Weisiger will close at 10:30 p.m. All other campus buildings will close at 9 p.m.
• Dining will retain normal operating hours

Saturday, January 31, 2026

• Essential personnel only on campus
• Montgomery and Wilson Hall open from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Weisiger will be open for in-season sports only from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• All other buildings remain closed
• Dining hours are adjusted to:
  • Gee Dining Hall:
    Brunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Freshens: Closed

Sunday, February 1, 2026

• Essential personnel only on campus
• Montgomery and Wilson Hall open from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• All other buildings remain closed
• Dining hours are adjusted to:
  • Gee Dining Hall:
    Brunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Freshens: Closed
• No scheduled athletic practices

Anticipated Adjustments for Next Week

All employees should tentatively prepare for remote work on Monday and Tuesday. Based on current forecasts, we may need to move to essential operations only during those two days, which would include adjusted access to buildings, reduced dining hours, and essential personnel only on campus to support our facilities and residential students. Supervisors are asked to work with their teams on remote options should this decision be finalized. This approach helps minimize vehicle traffic, supports more effective clearing of parking lots, assists with securing buildings, and enables our teams to focus on grounds management while reducing unnecessary movement and risk across campus.

Since class schedules are not a factor at this time, we anticipate communicating any decisions or changes to operating plans for Monday on Sunday morning, February 1, once we have more insight into campus conditions. 

Important Winter Weather Reminders

Community members should use extreme caution when navigating campus. Please walk slowly, wear appropriate footwear, and allow extra travel time. Any remaining patches of ice may soon be hidden beneath a fresh layer of snow. In addition, with prolonged extremely cold temperatures expected, including potential single-digit temperatures and dangerous wind chills Sunday into Monday, please also take precautions to prevent frostbite by limiting time outdoors and dressing in warm, layered clothing with covered extremities.