On Monday, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety sent a statement to all students regarding the plummeting temperatures this week.
"We are bracing for especially cold weather this week as temperatures are forecasted to be some of the lowest of the season," the message read. "With potentially dangerous wind chills possible for the next couple days, it is imperative that faculty, staff and students take necessary steps to ensure protection against the elements. Health and safety are a top priority."
During the next few days, East Lansing will see lows in the single digits and sub-zero temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
The department's email included tips for staying safe during harsh wind chills, with the main pieces of advice being to limit time outdoors and take precautions such as wearing several layers of clothing. The email also listed the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.
Later in the day, MSU DPPS sent a follow-up email confirming that, despite the severe weather, all Tuesday classes would remain on schedule.
"Classes and campus operations will continue as normal, including the CATA bus schedule," the email said. "Faculty, staff and students should take necessary steps to ensure protection against the elements when traveling to class and work."
Many students disagreed with this decision, and took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their opinions under the department's statement.
One student argued that it is not possible for all students to limit time outdoors, as suggested in the guidance, since many students have long walks to class.
Another student said MSU should utilize online class options to keep everyone safe.
University spokesperson Amber McCann said that multiple factors come into play when determining whether to cancel classes.
"University leadership makes the determination whether to cancel classes," McCann said. "Multiple factors are considered when making the decision: temperature, wind chill (and) anticipated snowfall/snow accumulation are all examples."
While the decision to keep classes running has sparked frustration among many students, MSU maintains that its policies prioritize both safety and the continuation of operations.
The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety will continue to monitor the weather over the next few days, according to the email, and will notify the community of changes "that may result in reduced or modified operations or potential impacts to class schedules."
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