It has always been our first and foremost priority to provide safe walking surfaces for the campus community.  Given the extremes of conditions in a Midwestern winter, and the large number of variables in conditions and forecasts, the decision making process can be complicated.  Last year in particular was exceptionally difficult, with a higher than usual incidence of rain/snow, followed by freezing rain and plummeting temperatures.  Bare pavement followed by freezing rain is by far the worst case scenario that we encounter.

Clean, dry pavement is always our end goal, and over the years we have worked to be as efficient as possible in achieving that goal.  This year we are experimenting with brine application on campus sidewalks, which should prove to be a useful tool in managing snow and ice.  We are hopeful that it will speed up application time and provide us a preferable option to granular salt when conditions allow.  It also has the benefit of being a bit more ecologically sound.  Regardless of what equipment and procedures we utilize, it still takes 5 employees several hours to cover the 16 miles of walks that connect our campus.

As we move into the winter season, we would encourage a cautious mindset and appropriate footwear.  We would also recommend a heightened awareness, not only of conditions, but also of the machines that are out clearing the walks.

 

Snow and Ice Procedures

As we have already had our first hit of the snow and ice season the Physical Plant would like to review the procedures for getting those work orders to us.  Please do not put those requests into School Dude.  Please call us at the Physical Plant at 556-3066 during our regular hours:  Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm.  After hours please call Campus Safety at 556-1111 for an emergency and they will contact someone from Physical Plant.

As we have already had our first hit of the snow and ice season the Physical Plant would like to review the procedures for getting those work orders to us.  Please do not put those requests into School Dude.  Please call us at the Physical Plant at 556-3066 during our regular hours:  Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm.  After hours please call Security at 556-1111 for an emergency and they will contact someone from Physical Plant. 

With the winter season approaching, it’s time to remind you of Illinois Wesleyan’s notification procedures in the event that a snow emergency results in closing the University.  

Any decision to close the University will be communicated through the IWU Alert Phone System. In order to receive the alert, you need to have a current IWU Alert phone number. You may check your information by accessing MyIWU and visiting Banner Self Service in the top navigation. Click on the Personal Information Menu, then Address(es) and Phone(s), and verify your IWU Alert information.

If an evaluation of weather conditions results in a decision to close the University prior to the beginning of the work day, that information will be available on our snow emergency line, (556-1010) and through the IWU Alert Phone System. We also will endeavor to have our closing information available through area media who provide such information including WJBC, WESN, WGLT, WHOI, WEEK, WMBD, WBNQ, WRPW and WCIA. Ultimately our snow emergency line would be the most authoritative source.

Information will be made available through the IWU Alert Phone System and through the snow emergency line (556-1010) in the event that weather conditions during the day deteriorate to a point where employees are released.

Generally, it is the University’s intent to remain open and operating, especially while classes are in session. Compensation policies for non-exempt staff for days when the University is closed are described in the Non-Exempt Staff Handbook. In all cases, each employee must make his/her own decision about whether to attempt to reach the University or when to leave for home. Staff who determine that it is best not to attempt to come to the campus, even though it is open and operating, may use a personal day or a vacation day if they wish.

Additional Information for Snow Closings

Please remember, in Bloomington, parking along the snow route is prohibited once the snowfall reaches two inches or more. Therefore, please move your vehicle if it is parked on a snow route street so the city can plow without obstructions. Violators are subject to being ticketed and towed by the city.

Currently many of you have attempted to log into School Dude for the first time.

You have found that you are unable to do that.  The instructions on how to register and place a work order are as follows:

When you click on My School Building you see a page that gives you two choices

1. To enter your email and enter a password.  This will not work if you have never submitted a work order.
2. New User Sign up. Click on that and fill in your information including the IWU Account Number

Once you have completed the sign up information you must then go ahead and enter a request for a work order.  Once you complete the request successfully you will be in the system.

Remember the submittal password is helpmenow

If you have any problems with this process please call Mary Anderson at the Physical Plant 556-3066

To keep up with the ever-changing world of technology, we are constantly updating and upgrading our software to deliver the highest quality solutions. There are two new security enhancements we have rolled out today:

1. MySchoolBuilding Requester Login
2. Resetting User Passwords

For help how to update your password, please click here, or see the MD Requester Guide