UPDATE: Campus Closure Extended Due to Air Quality
A message from Santa Clara University President Fr. Michael Engh concerning the closure of campus due to air quality concerns.
Updated November 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Dear Members of the University Community,
I wish to update you on the University’s actions regarding the poor air quality in our area as a result of the ongoing fire in Butte County. Today’s air quality index spans from “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” across the Bay area. Regrettably, weather conditions over the next five days do not suggest that a reprieve will come before Thanksgiving, when potential rain showers are forecast to reach the Bay area.
Given that the poor air quality is likely to persist on all three of our campuses into the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the University will remain closed through Sunday, Nov. 25, except for essential services.
The Law School has made special arrangements for classes scheduled on Nov. 19-21, and law students should expect to receive an email directly from their professors.
The undergraduate residence halls will remain open throughout the next week, and Benson Center will be open for limited hours to serve food to students residing on campus.
In addition, the University Library will be open from 12-5 p.m. on Nov. 17-18 and from 8 a.m - 5 p.m. on Nov. 19-21. Cowell Health Center will be open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 19-21. Students may pick up free masks from Cowell Health Center during its operating hours or at the service desks in each residence hall. A limited number of masks will be made available through the Graham Residence Hall Service Desk when Cowell Health Center is closed.
General inquiries regarding cancellations and closure can be directed to (408) 554-4000. For the latest updates please visit the University homepage and refer to the FAQ.
Please stay indoors and take precautions as advised by authorities. May we continue to pray in solidarity for the victims and their loved ones and seek comfort for all those impacted by the wildfires.
Sincerely,
Michael E. Engh, S.J.
----
Posted November 15 at 10 a.m.
Dear Members of the University Community,
I wish to update you on the recent fire in Butte County. We continue to pray for all those impacted by the devastation of the fire. While the fire is nearly 200 miles away from campus, the air quality in our region is impacted. The health and safety of our students is our highest priority and to that end, we are canceling classes today, November 15, beginning at 10 a.m. and through the weekend.
Due to the air quality, the University will close operations beginning at 10 a.m. today throughout the weekend, except for essential services. Benson Center, University Library, Cowell Health Center, and the residence halls will remain open. For faculty and staff, please refer all inquiries regarding what constitutes essential services to your respective division heads.
All campus events are canceled with the exception of the men’s basketball game this evening and the women’s volleyball game tomorrow. For information about NCAA standards for cancellations, please see the website here.
Cowell Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday, November 15, and Friday, November 16.
General inquiries regarding cancellations and closure can be directed to (408) 554-4000.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will post updated information on the University FAQ page here.
Sincerely,
Michael Engh, S.J.
President
Santa Clara University