Return to normal operations - Tuesday, Feb. 3

Lenoir-Rhyne will return to normal, in-person operations beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3, at all campus locations — Hickory, Asheville and Columbia.

• Road conditions: We recognize that road conditions may remain hazardous in some areas and that travel may still be challenging.
• Students: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their instructors to discuss absences.
• Faculty and staff: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their supervisor to discuss appropriate arrangements.
• Your safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your continued communication and flexibility as we transition back to normal operations.
• The university community is also invited to join President McGee for a Welcome Back Warm-Up on Tuesday from 8:30–9:30 a.m. in the Cromer Center on the Hickory campus. Stop by to enjoy donuts, coffee and hot chocolate as we reconnect and welcome one another back to campus.

Remote Operations on Monday, Feb. 2

Weather Update: Sunday, Feb. 1
Due to the snow received across our region over the weekend and continued concerns about road conditions, Lenoir-Rhyne will operate with remote work and remote instruction on Monday, Feb, 2, for all three locations — Hickory, Asheville and Columbia. At this time, we anticipate returning to normal, in-person operations on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

As we transition through these conditions, we ask for flexibility and understanding. Employees who are unable to work as usual due to weather-related circumstances should communicate directly with their supervisor to discuss appropriate arrangements. Students who experience challenges should reach out to their instructors for guidance.

Please note the following campus operations for Monday, February 2, at the Hickory campus:

• Dining Services: Operating on a regular schedule
• Fitness Center: Open from 12–9 p.m.

As always, we appreciate your flexibility, patience and care as we navigate these winter conditions together.

Remote Instruction/Work - Thursday-Friday, Jan. 29-30

Remote instruction will continue on Thursday and Friday for Hickory and Asheville locations.

This decision reflects our ongoing priority to support the safety of our community as weather conditions evolve across the region. By making a decision about Friday now, we aim to provide clarity and allow everyone to plan accordingly.

Important reminders:

• Faculty: Continue to communicate directly with students regarding course expectations.
• Staff: Remain in contact with your supervisors regarding work arrangements.

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and care for one another as we navigate these conditions together.

We will continue to monitor the forecast and will communicate any additional updates as needed.

Tuesday Jan. 27 Update

Based on updated reports regarding road conditions across our region, Lenoir-Rhyne will operate as follows on Wednesday, Jan. 28:

• Hickory and Asheville locations: Remote work and remote instruction
• Columbia location: Normal operations

This decision is being made out of an abundance of caution to prioritize the safety of our campus community, particularly as road conditions may vary significantly by location and throughout the day.

Important reminders:

• Students: Continue to check Canvas and email for updates and instructions from your instructors.
• Faculty and staff: Communicate with your supervisors as needed and remain flexible as we navigate these conditions together.

Next update:
An update on Thursday’s operations will be communicated by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Monday, Jan. 26 Storm Update

Due to ongoing impacts from the winter weather, particularly road conditions across our region, Lenoir-Rhyne University will adjust operations as follows:

Tuesday, January 27

• All three campuses will operate with remote work and remote instruction.
• On the Hickory campus, the Cromer Center dining hall will operate on a normal schedule and Joe's Coffee will open at 8 a.m. (Chick-Fil-A will remain closed).
• Rudisill Library and the fitness center will be closed.

Wednesday, January 28

• Classes will be remote for any courses scheduled before 10 a.m. In-person classes will resume at 11 a.m. (There are no scheduled classes from 10-11 a.m., and chapel is canceled.)
• Staff should plan to work remotely in the morning and be on campus starting at 11 a.m.
• On the Hickory campus, the Cromer Center dining hall will operate on a normal schedule, as will  Joes' Coffee and Chick-Fil-A.
• Rudisill Library and the fitness center will open at 11 a.m.

We encourage flexibility as conditions continue to improve and ask students to communicate with their instructors and employees to communicate directly with their supervisors regarding individual needs or circumstances.

Residential students who are traveling back to campus are encouraged to do so during daylight hours on Tuesday, when temperatures are expected to be above freezing and road conditions should continue to improve.

We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as needed. Please continue to check your email and LR website for the latest information, and consider enabling notifications in the SafeZone app for real-time alerts.

Sunday, Jan. 25 Storm Update

• Remote Work & Instruction Day on Monday, Jan. 26
  A reminder that Monday, Jan. 26 is a remote work and remote instruction day for all three campus locations due to the winter weather affecting our area.
• Tuesday, Jan. 27 (Status Update by Noon Monday, Jan. 26)
  We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide an update regarding university operations on Tuesday, Jan. 27 by noon on Monday.
• Students: Please watch your email and monitor Canvas for information from your instructors.

Ongoing Updates

• We will continue to monitor the weather situation closely and provide updates as they become available.
• Please check your LR email and the university website for the latest information.

Stay Informed

• To help you stay informed in real time, we strongly encourage everyone to download and enable notifications for the SafeZone app, which provides important safety alerts and timely updates.

Friday, Jan. 23 Storm Update

Changes to Campus Operations & Closures

• Saturday, Jan. 24 (2 p.m.): As a result of the forecast for winter weather that is calling for snow, ice and sleet beginning Saturday afternoon, we will close all three campus locations at 2 p.m. — Hickory, Asheville and Columbia. Only essential operations will continue after that time.
• Monday, Jan. 26: We will continue campus closure through Monday, Jan. 26, implementing a remote work and remote instruction day for Monday.
• Friday, Jan. 23: Please note that Friday, Jan. 23 will be a full normal operating day at all three university locations — Hickory, Asheville and Columbia.

Hickory Campus Facilities

• Saturday–Monday: The library and fitness center will be closed Saturday through Monday.
• Saturday–Monday: Currently, the Cromer Center dining hall will be open according to the normal dining schedule throughout the duration of campus closure. If weather impacts the dining hall schedule, those impacts will be communicated to residential students.

Essential Personnel

• Essential personnel are expected to report to work in person as scheduled.
• If you are unsure whether your position is considered essential, please contact your direct supervisor for clarification.

Student Information

• All students: Please check your email and monitor Canvas for information from your instructor.
• Residential students: Be on the lookout for a separate message from Dean of Students Harry Titus, which will share additional information and guidance as needed.

Stay Informed

• To help you stay informed in real time, we strongly encourage everyone to download and enable notifications for the SafeZone app, which provides important safety alerts and timely updates.

Ongoing Updates

• We will continue to monitor the weather situation closely and provide updates as they become available.
• Please check your LR email and the university website for the latest information.