The advisory warned of wind chills as low as minus 25 degrees, conditions the NWS says can cause frostbite in under 30 minutes. Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University and Oakland University called off in-person instruction, citing the weather.

Michigan State University has suspended university functions for weather seven times in its history. 

MSU Spokesperson Amber McCann confirmed MSU does not have a policy that leadership follows on when to close the university for weather. Instead, McCann said, leadership “meets regularly” to assess if classes should be held.

“There's some general guidance that we operate on to make sure that we can ensure the safety of students' faculty and staff, but there isn't a specific trigger that we have to hit to cancel classes,” McCann said. 

Instructors were advised ahead of the most recent cold day that they could move their classes online or asynchronously if they determined the move practical, according to an email sent to faculty from Provost Laura Lee McIntyre on Thursday, Jan. 22.

That message also stated that instructors were "encouraged to communicate expectations clearly while offering flexibility and understanding for students who may face extreme challenges due to winter weather."

McCann added that instructors should have reach out to the Provost’s office if they had questions on how to operate their class. 

Lyman Briggs Professor, Robert Bell, said faculty, department chairs and deans are not consulted on if classes should be cancelled or not. That decision is the Provost's call.

“I appreciate that I don't have to make these kinds of decisions,” Bell said, later adding, “We should be working with students as a team.”

MSU’s Chief of Police and Executive Director of Public Safety, Mike Yankowski, sent out a campus wide email on Thursday Jan. 22, confirming classes would still be held as scheduled the next day. The email gave tips on how to combat the cold weather and reminded students to watch for slippery conditions and to layer clothing. 

“On Friday, I think they should've canceled classes,” Pedro Doreste Rodriguez, an assistant professor in the film studies program, said.

When classes still are held in the bleak weather, students feel less inclined to come to class, leading to not just plummeting attendance and missed instruction, but also dropping grades, Rodriguez added. 

“I feel like the university holds onto this outdated principle of working through any adversity and an obstacle,” Rodriguez said. “It's such a weird point of pride.” 

Rodriguez also added, for those who have health issues, specifically lung issues, just walking outside in those temperatures can cause health concerns. 

MSU last closed its doors for weather in 2019 during a polar vortex. 

“It would've been like a good opportunity for the admin to do the right thing,” Rodriguez said.