Provost Mattison sent the following message to campus Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Due to anticipated blizzard conditions, and dangerously cold air temperatures combined with high winds, Drake University offices will be closed after 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, reopening at the conclusion of the winter break on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Only essential staff should report to work. This designation includes employees who are in operations such as public safety, food service, security, power plant, animal care, critical maintenance, and snow and ice removal. Supervisors should communicate with their employees regarding individual schedules. 

Dress appropriately if you need to go outside during this time of bitter cold. It is best to wear layers and properly cover all extremities, including hands and face, as frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. 

Thank you to those who work so diligently to keep our campus safe and ensure continued operations. 

— Sue Mattison, Provost