Reinhardt University continually monitors weather forecasts, anticipates needs and issues, and implements readiness plans to protect and support the campus community. Due to a winter storm warning including snow and frigid temperatures, all athletic events and student activities planned for Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026, are being rescheduled, and the Funk Heritage Center will be closed. Residence halls and dining services remain open. The University plans to provide any updates on Sunday afternoon.
Reinhardt’s response during last weekend’s severe winter weather event reflected its preparedness. From residence life and dining services, to utilities, infrastructure, notifications, and public safety, the University addressed every detail. Prior to cancelling activities, classes, and office hours on January 24-26, 2026, the emergency management team communicated regularly to address icy conditions and plan for worst-case scenarios. Emails, text messages, and social media ensured thorough knowledge of the situation and detailed, updated information.
For 200-plus students unable to depart campus, residence halls and the Gordy Dining Center remained open. Over 30 Residence Life staff remained on site and on duty, along with the Dean of Students.
Members of the Metz Culinary Services staff faithfully arrived each day, serving over 525 meals, and the general manager remained on site 24/7. In preparation for a possible power outage, the dining staff stocked up on non-perishable and thaw-and-serve food, extra water, disposable serving ware, items to prepare on a gas grill, a kerosene heater, hand warmers, flashlights, and lanterns.
National Management Resources, which services Reinhardt’s facilities, returned to campus multiple times throughout the winter storm to ensure building heat continued to function and pipes did not freeze, to spread ice melt on roadways and sidewalks, and prepare the University Theater as a warming shelter with lighting and heaters. They remained on call to tend to urgent maintenance concerns.
Information Technology personnel inspected critical infrastructure equipment to prevent environmental impact. Staff remained on campus 24/7 to ensure communication channels remained accessible and to respond to any internet-related complications. Campus phone numbers were redirected to department contacts during the office closures, to ensure parents could call regarding their student’s safety and that no other important calls were missed.
Two Reinhardt Public Safety officers stayed on campus around the clock to ensure their presence to serve and protect everyone on campus.
Throughout the three days, University officials continued to monitor the weather forecast in close collaboration with the National Weather Service and state and local agencies. Their efforts show the ongoing dedication to ensuring a safe and functional campus environment.
– By Suzy Alstrin
