How Cold is Too Cold?

With the recent cold front leaving students shivering their way to classes, it raises the question of should the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) rethink its temperature thresholds for closing campus. According to the SDBOR policy manual, “Board of Regent’s institutions remain open in all but the most extreme circumstances.” However, with wind chills leading to dangerously cold conditions how do administrators determine what is considered extreme? While this vague policy does highlight concerns for faculty and students safety, I feel as though it does not do enough in instilling what is and isn’t considered safe. Many students, when faced with cold weather on campus, are under the presumption that they will have to suck it up and face it, as it is unlikely for campus to close. While the policy’s statement about “jeopardizing safety,” does acknowledge the risks of allowing students to be on campus, it falls short in allowing guidance to said students.