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Should Mount Marty University Close for Weather — A Student’s Perspective

Living and studying at Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota is an experience shaped just as much by our community as by our weather. From warm, sunny days beside Lewis & Clark Lake to icy winter blasts that make you rethink walking between classes, weather is a real part of life here.

But should Mount Marty decide whether classes happen based on the weather? As many students might agree, that’s a question worth thinking about.

 What Mount Marty’s Weather Policy Actually Is

Mount Marty University avoids canceling classes due to weather whenever possible. According to the student handbook, students who live farther away are advised to use their judgment when driving in questionable weather — even if classes are still scheduled to take place.

In other words: the university tends to stay open, and it’s often up to individual students to decide if it’s safe to travel.

The university uses its Campus Alert Notifications (CAN) system to notify students of weather-related closures or urgent situations, usually via email and text. These alerts are also shared on social media and local stations when conditions are serious enough.

 Why This Policy Works — and Why It Doesn’t

 Pros of Staying Open

• Keeps the academic calendar on track.

• Ensures that students earn full instructional hours.

• Avoids disruption for students living on campus who don’t have travel concerns.

Cons of Staying Open

• Yankton winters can be cold, snowy, and icy, making travel risky for commuters.

• Not everyone has reliable transportation, winter gear, or comfortable routes to campus.

• Weather conditions can vary widely — what’s safe for someone living nearby might be dangerous for someone driving in rural or icy conditions.

Some students even argue that extreme cold and dangerous travel conditions should lead to classroom cancellations or remote options, because relying on personal judgment alone can put people at risk.

 What a Weather-Based Decision System Might Look Like

Here’s what it could look like if Mount Marty tied attendance decisions directly to weather conditions:

 1. Threshold-Based Closures

Set clear objective triggers for closing campus — for example:

• Severe winter storm warnings

• Wind chills below a dangerous level (like below –20°F)

• Ice storm advisories

• Road condition warnings from the Department of Transportation

This gives clarity and reduces confusion about whether students should travel.

 2. Hybrid or Online Options

On days when travel is unsafe, but campus facilities are open:

• Some classes could switch to online delivery for safety.

• Professors could adjust assignments rather than cancel the learning experience entirely.

This kind of flexibility respects both safety and academic continuity — something many universities in colder climates already consider.

 3. Communication Protocols

Better weather communications could include:

• Early morning decisions (e.g., by 6:30 a.m.)

• Clear text/email alerts

• Classroom updates from instructors

These help students plan and stay safe.

 Final Thoughts

At Mount Marty, the weather already matters — you’ll hear winter advisories and tornado warnings, and the campus has alert systems for emergencies.

But when it comes to deciding whether to go to class or not, the current policy places that responsibility largely on students. A more structured, weather-based decision policy could help protect commuter students and make expectations clearer — while still preserving the integrity of academic schedules.

In the end, the best approach might be a balanced one: prioritize safety first, but support learning with flexible options when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. 

Upcoming Home Events: 
Basketball Women's and Men's are at home vs. Hastings on Wednesday @ 5:20pm and 7:15pm!  

Shout outs: 
Congrats to everyone for surviving Friday's temperatures! 

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Stay tuned, and more importantly stay true!