Be careful what you lick

The fountain at the University Center Building (right) became an ice sculpture on the first day of the term as temperatures on campus dropped below 20 degrees.

So who decides if snow will close the university?

Monday, in the face of the threat of heavy snow, the music department shut down but the remainder of the university scheduled classes as usual, as of late afternoon.

If the university faces possible closure due to weather conditions, the initial impetus would come from Jay Kenton, vice president for finance and administration. He would conventionally check conditions as of about 4 a.m. Tuesday. If he ascertains that a closure is indicated, he would call PSU President Daniel Bernstine, Provost Mary Kay Tretrault and Mike Irish, director of facilities.

Subject to Bernstine’s approval, Kenton would inform Irish to shut down.