The University of Tennessee at Martin decided to close at 1 p.m. today (Thursday, Jan. 16) because of the snow and icy conditions.

All classes were canceled at 1 and all offices were scheduled to close at the same time. The university will remain closed for Friday, Jan. 17, as well.

"We made the decision to give students enough time to get home for the holiday weekend before the roads re-freeze," said Chancellor Nick Dunagan. "I know it sounds old-fashioned, but we wanted those students who chose to travel to get home before dark."

UTM will not reopen until Tuesday, Jan. 21, to observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

"Our Physical Plant staff cannot remove snow from campus sidewalks, as the sidewalks freeze immediately, creating even more slipping hazards. Weather reports indicate that severe cold with 20 to 30 mph winds is moving into the area, which will create more freezing," said Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Katie High.

"Road reports indicate that roads are icy throughout the area, so please take extreme caution in going home," she said.

The first print edition of The Pacer, which was scheduled to come out on Friday, Jan. 17, will be printed on Tuesday, Jan. 21. "We regret having to do this, but it just seemed in the best interest of everyone to move the printing date," said Executive Editor Matt Crouch.

For students who need to remain on campus, the Residence Halls will be open and the heat will remain on, said Al Hooten, vice chancellor of Finance and Administration.

Food will be served in the Dining Hall during normal weekend hours. The University Center and the Fitness Center also will be open for regular hours. The Elam Center will be open from 3-10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, from 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 3-10 p.m. Monday. The pool, however, will not be open.

Hooten added that students who remain on campus should contact the Office of Public Safety if any health services are needed. OPS also will be doing its regular patrols.

According to an e-mail message from Bookstore manager Sam Covington, the store will close at 2:30 p.m. today and will remain closed until 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Meanwhile, students who have any questions should contact Steve Vantrease at 7766 or Katie High at 7710.