SU students call for improved winter procedures

Orange Pulse data shows that with consistent snowfall in the Syracuse area, students feel the need for snow days, improved plow times and better snow prevention. 

This winter, Syracuse has been hit with a snow wave that’s quickly outpacing the winter weather the city has experienced in the past five years. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that as of February 24, Syracuse has received 84 inches of snow, which already surpasses the past five winter seasons. With more snow expected in the next two weeks, Syracuse is on pace to reach the 2019 totals of 107 inches.

Although the number still falls short of the average snowfalls in Central New York, which is 116 inches, this wintermarks the first time in which many Syracuse University students are experiencing constant snowfall during the school year.

As students dig out from the relentless accumulation, a recent snowstorm in mid-February had students around campus wondering why the university chose to not cancel classes. The snowstorm led to signs up and down I-81 advocating for slower traffic, and limiting cars to one lane. Yet, the university, which has only had five snow days in its history, chose to keep classes active.

With the ease of online learning and the extensive use of remote learning through the coronavirus pandemic, The Newshouse’s Orange Pulse team asked Syracuse students to provide their opinions on if snow days should be more commonplace at SU. In addition, the survey asked students their thoughts on how efficient the snow removal processes are, and how safe the campus is through a snowstorm.

77 Syracuse University students responded to our survey. Out of those respondents, 71% call home the Northeast–a place that is all too familiar with snowstorms. 

Can Online Learning be an Option?

It’s no surprise that after the most recent snowstorm in the area, 88% of students note that there is a day in which they believe classes should have been canceled at SU. However, with the university operating on a strict 15-week schedule, there is little wiggle room for canceled classes.

Within that, online learning could be a practical solution for snow days, where heavy snow can often disrupt campus safety. With the rise of digital platforms, SU can easily move classes online, allowing students to keep up with their work even when weather conditions make it unsafe to travel. 

Many schools across the country already use remote learning on snow days, helping students stay on track without missing lectures or assignments. For Syracuse University students, the online atmosphere is wildly different from in-campus learning. Survey results show that 68% of students disagree with the statement “online learning provides the same learning experience as in-person classes”. This shows that students are not keen to learn online, which further forces Syracuse University's hand to keep classes in-person.

A Built-in Break?

Snow days often provide students with an unplanned rest day–time off that they can take full advantage of to take care of any outstanding tasks that may have fallen further down their to-do lists. In our survey, 97% of students said that at some point before attending Syracuse University, they had received an off day from school for weather-related reasons.

With the pressures of exams and assignments, and the harsh winter conditions in Central New York, a snow day offers a rare opportunity to relax, recharge, and focus on self-care without the looming stress of work or class attendance. For many, this break helps to prevent burnout and gives them the mental space to return to their studies feeling refreshed and more focused. 

The added benefit of having a day to stay indoors and disconnect from the usual pressures can make a significant difference, especially in a demanding academic environment like Syracuse University.

What Can be Changed?

While there is no one solution for fixing all of Syracuse’s problems with winter weather, many believe that precautionary measures can be taken. Updates on snow-clearing efforts, especially for students who are off-campus, are ways to reduce confusion and ensure students feel prepared for the harsh conditions. 

The survey also allowed for a section for student recommendations, and out of the 33 students that provided responses, 19 of them mentioned some form of snow removal or salting of sidewalks and streets. However, a growing rock salt shortage in the state of New York has provided a major hurdle for the university. 

Snow is a part of Central New York culture, and for many, it’s simply a fact of life. However, as the winter season picks back up to normal levels, it’s clear that Syracuse University has to make changes to adjust with the weather. 

As the snow continues to pile up, it’s not just the weather that needs to be addressed–it’s how the university adapts to the challenges that come with it, ensuring that safety and well-being are a top priority during these demanding winter months.