It’s that time of year again when we begin to prepare ourselves for inclement weather. This is a reminder for all members of the Drake University community about winter weather policies and procedures as well as parking rules and regulations during periods of snow removal.

While uncommon, official class cancellations, University delays, and closings may be required in extreme conditions. The provost will make such determinations after considering multiple factors (e.g., snowfall, ice, wind chill) and consulting with appropriate members of the University community.

Information about cancellations or closures will be available through the Cancellation Line (515-271-4545) or on the Drake University website (www.drake.edu). Local television and radio stations will also be notified.

When making the decision to cancel, delay, or close the University, all efforts are made to finalize the decision by 6 a.m. so that information can be disseminated to media outlets and the University’s Cancellation Line before most people begin their trip to campus. For evening classes beginning after 4:30 p.m., all efforts are made to finalize the decision by 2:30 p.m. Full criteria and guidelines are available online.

Please be aware that it is virtually impossible to make a decision on the cancellation of classes or closing of the University that will satisfy the needs and concerns of all students, faculty, and staff. Thus, it is important for everyone to exercise good judgment with respect to personal safety. No one is expected to take undue risks.

Parking during snowfall

In blueView, Drake’s Department of Public Safety has posted subscription instructions for the City of Des Moines’ automatic snow route and odd/even parking notifications. The Des Moines Department of Public Works will use snowplows to clear designated snow routes beginning at accumulations of one inch and residential streets at accumulations of two inches.

It is illegal to park on a designated snow route once snowplow operations have commenced. Snow routes near the Drake campus include University Avenue, Forest Avenue, 30th Street, and 34th Street. You cannot park on either side of these streets during snow removal operations.

While city ordinance forbids parking on residential streets during snow removal operations, neighborhoods with limited amounts of off-street parking, including the Drake neighborhood, must use established odd- and even-side snow parking zones. Failure to comply with the odd/even parking regulations may result in the Des Moines Police Department issuing $35 fines and possibly towing vehicles.

Odd/Even Snow Removal Parking Details:

• Snowplowing operations in designated odd/even neighborhoods will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Odd calendar days of the month are matched with street addresses ending in an odd number. On odd-numbered days, vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the street. (Reverse for even.)
• Vehicles must be on the correct side of the street by 7 a.m. to avoid a ticket.

NOTE: Parking tickets may be issued until 7 p.m.—even if plows have already cleared neighborhood streets. Furthermore, extraordinary conditions may require extension of the city’s snowplowing time period. Stay informed and up-to-date by subscribing to the City of Des Moines’ automatic snow route and odd/even parking notifications (noted above).

Finally, please remember that 27th Street is now designated as a Commuter Parking Lot. As a Commuter Parking Lot and in order to facilitate snow removal, 27th Street must remain free of cars from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. each day. Cars parked on 27th Street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. will be ticketed and may be towed to facilitate snow removal.

Thank you for your kind attention to these winter weather policies and procedures.

—Submitted by Provost Joe Lenz