Students who chose to attend class Tuesday once again braved snow and freezing rain.
While Muncie schools, the Muncie Mall and City Hall were closed, however, Ball State had no official closings or cancellations.
According to Doug McConkey, the vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Ball State rarely cancels classes.
"A few years ago we did cancel night classes," McConkey said. "I cannot remember the last time we canceled all classes."
Tuesday's weather was not severe enough to close classes, he said.
"I know the streets are not terrific, but there is not that much snow," he said. "The longer we wait during the day, the better the driving conditions get because the main arteries have been cleared before the late afternoon."
McConkey said students are expected to attend classes in inclement weather, but he said it is ultimately up to the judgment of the student.
"Anyone approved by this office has a shuttle service from the front door of their dorm to the front door of the building they need to go to," Markle said. "Conditions might keep people from wanting to leave, but we would never advise a student to not go to class." Mike Planton, superintendent of grounds for Facilities Planning and Management, said the university has taken every possible measure to clear the snow and ice. Planton said salt and sand were nearly ineffective because of consistent freezing rain. "When it comes down that fast, the products we put down become encapsulated in the snow and ice," he said. Facilities Planning and Management began to fight the storm at 6:30 p.m. Monday and at 4 a.m. Tuesday but stopped because of snow. Planton said the snow cover provided more traction, which heated the ice and began to melt it. Major snow removal began again at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Plowing in such situations is done at night to avoid plowing cars into parking spaces, Planton said. "I know when people look outside it doesn't look like we are doing much, but we are doing what we can," he said. According to Ball State Climatologist David Arnold, an assistant professor of geography, the snow should thaw by Thursday or Friday. Until then motorists should be cautious, said Sgt. David Clayton, of the Indiana State Police Redkey Post.
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