Lecturers may decide for themselves whether to teach on campus. The Executive Board does warn, however, that fewer support staff will be present today, “which may limit support services.”

Students are advised to keep a close eye on Canvas. “Lecturers will post updates and any practical instructions there. You will also find out whether your courses will take place online or be rescheduled,” the board said.

Staff and students have been dealing with disruptions caused by the winter weather all week. As it did yesterday, Rijkswaterstaat is advising people to work from home where possible and to avoid travel. Dutch Railways (NS) is operating on a reduced winter schedule, meaning fewer trains are running on several routes.

Slippery conditions

Conditions on campus are also slippery, despite the efforts of six staff members and the use of an additional snowplow to clear roads, walkways, and staircases of snow and ice. As a result, campus was very quiet on Tuesday, and few staff members and students are expected again today.

Yesterday, an estimated 10 to 20 classes were rescheduled to later in the quarter at the request of lecturers. Many Built Environment staff who attempted to come to the Vertigo building turned back, facilities employee Tom van Aerle observed. The reason: a malfunctioning heating system. “I estimate it’s about 17 to 18 degrees. If you’re sitting still, that’s really too cold.”

Van Aerle noticed as early as 7 a.m. on Monday that it was too cold in Vertigo. “At first that wasn’t unusual—after a holiday period it always takes some time to warm up. But by 1:30 p.m. I decided to call maintenance.” How long the problem will last is not yet known.

TU/e will continue to keep staff and students informed today about developments related to the winter weather via tue.nl, Canvas, and the education guide. Questions can be sent to info@tue.nl or via WhatsApp at +31 6 4168 3406.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor