Topic: Administrative

February 15, 2007

As Ball State continues to dig out after Tuesday's blizzard and with continued extreme cold temperatures and wind chill, the Department of Public Safety advises faculty, staff and students to exercise extra safety and patience during the aftermath of the snow emergency. 

"The Ball State grounds department is continuing to work on snow removal on campus, including sidewalks and parking lots. Everyone has been very cooperative," said Gene Burton, director of Public Safety. "I encourage everyone to continue to be patient as we recover from the blizzard."

In response to the excessive snow, temporary adjustments have been made in parking enforcement through Feb. 16. This accommodation will increase accessibility for those who drive to campus. During this time only, students, faculty and staff may park in available metered and garage parking spaces. Disabled-driver parking, loading zones, roads and drives, and the parking lot directly east of the Administration Building are not included and will continue to be enforced as normal.

In addition, students should check on their vehicles, Burton said.

"It may be faster to dig out your own vehicle instead of waiting on the Motorist Assist Program due to the increased demand," he said. "Extra crews have been added but there are delays due to a heavy influx of requests, and we are prioritizing on-campus requests first."

The Motorist Assist Program serves off-campus students, but it may be faster in the next few days to rely on other means to dig out as on-campus needs will take priority, Burton added. 

He also suggests for students who are parked in commuter lots to check their vehicle within the next day to assess their individual situation and check for dead batteries.

The Motorist Assist Program is free and available to faculty, staff, and students who experience vehicle problems while on campus. More on the program can be found at www.bsu.edu/police or by calling (765) 285-1111.

If you are traveling off campus, remember to: 

  • equip vehicles with a shovel, extra clothing or blankets, and food and water
  • be sure cell phones are fully charged
  • let your friends and family know your travel plans