West Virginia University (WVU) has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of its community amidst the ongoing Winter Storm Fern. In a recent announcement, WVU has canceled all in-person classes and shifted most employees to remote work for the Morgantown Campus on Monday, January 26, 2026. This decision aligns with the guidance provided by Monongalia County emergency officials, urging residents to stay off area roads due to hazardous conditions. The university's priority is to prioritize the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff during this challenging weather event.
According to University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair, the decision to cancel in-person classes and shift to remote work is a precautionary measure to prevent potential accidents and ensure the safety of the university community. The storm's impact, including additional snowfall and dropping temperatures, is expected to worsen road conditions, making travel dangerous. Therefore, the university encourages employees who can work remotely to do so, while essential on-site staff should communicate with their supervisors to determine their work arrangements.
WVU Health Sciences faculty, staff, and students working in patient care areas or clinical rotations are advised to follow specific instructions provided by their respective deans, program directors, or clinic managers. All WVU Dental clinics will be closed during this period. Additionally, the parking shuttle service for HSC employees will not operate on Monday.
Facilities Management continues to prioritize snow removal on campus, collaborating with the West Virginia Division of Highways, Monongalia County, and the City of Morgantown. Associate Vice President Charles 'Chuck' Roberts assured the university community that their efforts will ensure campus accessibility despite the challenging weather conditions.
University sites, including dining facilities, will operate with limited hours on Monday to meet the needs of students and the community. The WVU Visitors Center will also be closed. Regular operations are expected to resume at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The university's emergency notification system, known as WVU Alert, will provide updates through various channels, including the WVU Safety Notification System, email, and social media platforms.
It is important to note that the WVU Institute of Technology and WVU Potomac State College have previously announced closures for Monday, January 26. WVU Extension will follow its internal inclement weather policy. The university encourages students and employees to stay informed and follow the provided updates to ensure a safe and smooth transition during this weather event.
